George Parker became president of the Washington Teachers’ Union in 2005, as D.C. Public Schools pushed modest reforms that attracted minimal attention outside of the Beltway. Five years later, the city is at the center of the school reform universe, with Parker in the role of defending teachers by demanding more money and more support amid the tumult of major changes to schools and classrooms. Parker, 59, sat down with the Washington Examiner to share thoughts on the faith and experiences that have inspired his fight.

Do you consider yourself to be of a specific faith?