Ms. ParkhurstTop of Page

Parkhurst
Ms. Gillian Parkhurst
Rm. 25

I have been a resident of the Bay Area since middle school where I was raised in Half Moon Bay (where my parents still reside).  I commuted to Menlo School and then received my undergraduate degree from UC Berkeley, where I met my husband.  

I grew up as a competitive basketball player and took that passion to coaching. As part of my undergraduate coursework, I mentored, tutored, and coached in East Oakland throughout my college years. After completing my undergraduate work, I worked as a college counselor in Palo Alto, in the private sector.  When I can, I try to volunteer and give back to communities. Traveling to New Orleans, for the first time, after Hurricane Katrina to help rebuild homes - I fell in love with the city. I made 3 more trips to continue rebuilding and created partnerships between my classroom and schools in New Orleans.

I am a mom to two daughters (13 and 11 years old) and now spend my time outside the classroom tending to them. On the weekends, I enjoy spending time with them and my husband. We are a typical busy family!  We are sports fans, both cheering the girls on from the soccer sidelines or watching our favorite teams play.

I wish I had more free time, but when I do I enjoy the outdoors, cooking (and eating), and solitude. Our family has fallen in love with the Teton Valley of Idaho and Wyoming (pictured below), looking to make our future there...someday! For now, you'll see me running around campus, or driving around town, and always thankful for all the experiences I am a part of!
 
Gillian Parkhurst playing soccer
The Teton Valley of Idaho, my dream. My daughters playing soccer, my reality.
My life these days!
 
5th Grade is Awesome!

Professional ExperienceTop of Page

  • 9th year of teaching (3rd year at Woodside)
    • Grades taught: 2nd, 3rd, 4th
  • 2 time SVMI Summer Institute attendee
  • 2 time Teachers College (Writers Workshop) attendee
  • California Association for the Gifted (CAG) attendee 2014
  • San Mateo County Reading Association’s Celebrate Literacy Award 2013

Academic BackgroundTop of Page

  • Menlo School, High School Diploma
  • UC Berkeley, BA in Sociology (with an emphasis in urban education)
  • San Jose State Univ., Multiple-Subject Teaching Credential Program