Profile

Dr. Parent, Deputy Executive Director for the Coalition of Oregon School Administrators (COSA) and Co-Director of the UO Educational Leadership licensure program, earned her DEd from the University of Oregon in 2004, as well as a Master’s degree in 1992, and Bachelor’s degree in 1984. While earning her Bachelor’s degree, Dr. Parent was a four-year starter on the UO softball team.

Dr. Parent is a long-time educator, first as a teacher, and later in her career, a school and district level K-12 administrator. She served in one Oregon school district for 33 years, the last 18 years as the Superintendent. Krista was named the 2007 National Superintendent of the Year by the American Association of School Administrators (AASA) and a Distinguished National Superintendent of the Year in 2014 by the National Association of School Superintendents (NASS). Krista’s work has focused on “teaching and learning” at the core, developing deep, embedded systems so all students are supported and successful in their learning.

Dr. Parent has taught many graduate level courses leading to administrator licensure over several decades. As a leader, Dr. Parent is known for her open-door, roll-up-her-sleeves work style. Dr. Parent supports more than 200 superintendents on all matters related to district leadership, and she has mentored numerous women and other aspiring leaders into the role of superintendent. She is also the mother of two young adults that have guided her relentless focus on creating learning environments that work for all students.