The Times Weekly, News service
Joliet Township High School has announced that Tecara Parker will serve as the next principal of Joliet West High School beginning July 1. Mrs. Parker replaces Dr. Teresa Gibson who announced in January that she is returning to the classroom. Candidates for the principal position underwent a rigorous hiring process, including interviews with a hiring committee comprised of students, parents, staff, and community members.
With over 20 years of experience in education, Joliet West’s new leader brings strong experience to the school. Mrs. Parker began her career at Joliet West in 2019 as Dean of Students before moving into her current position as Director of Pupil Personnel Services where her duties include supervision of Student Support Services staff, direction of the Intensive Student Support Program, and implementation of preventative discipline and restorative practices working in partnership with the School Resource Officer, security staff, and administration.
Her previous experience includes Dean of Students and Director of Summer School at Bloom Trail High School and English Instructor at Hugh Manley Career Academy where she established a successful literature program through a partnership with Chicago Young Authors. Mrs. Parker is a Golden Apple Scholar of Illinois with a M.Ed. in Educational Administration from Governors State University and a BA in Secondary Education from DePaul University. She is currently obtaining her School Discipline Reform Certificate from Loyola University with an expected completion date of May 2022.
Parker resides in the Joliet community where her volunteer work includes leadership service for the Illinois Jubilee Fellowship Women’s Group. She is a member of the National Hook Up of Black Women, Inc. Joliet Chapter and serves as a Youth and Young Adult Department Worker for Redeem Church Ministries in Joliet.
“I am very excited to work with Tecara Parker in her role as principal,” said JTHS Superintendent Dr. Karla Guseman. ”Mrs. Parker has demonstrated her dedication to the students and families at Joliet West in her previous and current role within the district. She is enthusiastic about leading our staff at West campus to ensure the success of all students and is a talented educational leader who has the capacity to build a culture of trust, support, and partnership.”
Mrs. Parker is dedicated to the work necessary for accomplishing the healing that needs to take place at West after the trauma of the Pandemic. ”I am humbled by this opportunity to serve the families, students, and staff of Joliet West. Collaboration of all stakeholders as a top priority will help drive collective impact to student success,” said Mrs. Parker. News release.