Mrs. Maria Parker is thrilled to continue as the principal of the Sage Canyon Coyotes. The upcoming school year will be her 22nd year in education after teaching for 14 years and serving as a site administrator for 7 years. She has worked in Poway, San Diego Unified, Del Mar, and Helsinki, Finland as a K-6 classroom and music teacher and as a vice principal in Santee School District. Mrs. Parker is passionate about the teaching and learning process as well as ensuring that the school experience is rooted in a caring and safe learning environment. She believes that building positive, trusting relationships among students, staff, and families is essential, so she spends a lot of time connecting with the school community on campus.

Mrs. Parker grew up in Finland until the age of 13. She moved to San Diego with her family where she finished high school, college, and graduate school. Maria earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Music, a Master of Education Degree in Cross-Cultural Education as well as an Equivalency Master of Education Degree from Finland. She holds the Multiple Subject Teaching Credential, a Supplementary Teaching Credential in Music, and an Administrative Credential. Mrs. Parker is a firm believer in being a lifelong learner and embraces opportunities to grow as an educator.

Outside of school, Maria enjoys spending time with her family. She and her husband have two kids: a son who is studying in Finland after graduating high school and a daughter who is working in San Diego after graduating from college two years ago. Mrs. Parker loves to go on walks with her dog and to spend time outdoors. Together with her husband, they love to hike, camp, and play lawn games. Music is another important part of her life as she loves to play the piano and attend a variety of live concerts with her family and friends.

This year, Mrs. Parker looks forward to cultivating meaningful learning experiences and positive relationships with the students, staff, and families at Sage Canyon. She enjoys engaging with the school community by being present in classrooms and out at lunches, arrivals, and dismissals. Maria is grateful to serve as the principal at Sage Canyon and looks forward to continuing the pursuit of an extraordinary school experience!