Gordon Parks Teacher James Hagg Earns Blue Heron Educators Award through Outward Bound

James Hagg, ELA teacher at Gordon Parks, is the recipient of the Blue Heron Educators Award through Outward Bound. Every year, Outward Bound works with thousands of incredible educators across the country. In 2024 alone, 2,213 educators joined their students on Outward Bound courses, stepping outside the classroom walls to experience challenge, growth, and connection — together. These shared adventures highlight just how vital educators are in helping young people develop resilience, leadership, and compassion.

The Blue Heron Educator Awards honor the extraordinary individuals shaping the future of education. Whether in classrooms, school communities, or youth-serving organizations, these change-makers reflect the very best of what it means to lead with agility, integrity, compassion, and perseverance—and to inspire those same traits in the students they serve.