Submitted by Evanston/Skokie School District 65
Narishea Parham will be the next director of the Joseph E. Hill Early Childhood Center in Evanston/Skokie School District 65. This appointment was approved by the School Board at their meeting on Monday, May 22. Parham will begin in her new role July 1, replacing Sharon Sprague, who is retiring this year.
Throughout her more than 20 years in education, Parham has been a leader committed to working in partnership with families, staff, and students. She is currently the assistant principal at Dewey Elementary School. Prior to joining District 65, she served for eight years at Richton Square School, an early childhood/pre-kindergarten center, as the principal and assistant principal. Under her leadership, Richton Square received an ExceleRate Illinois rating of Gold, which is awarded to schools that support continuous improvement among early learning providers for three years in a row. She is experienced in improving early education and will continue the Early Childhood Center’s mission of kindergarten readiness for all students.
“I am honored to be selected as the new Director of Early Childhood Programs and am eager to partner with the staff and parents to continue working to build a solid foundation for our youngest learners,” she said. “I am extremely optimistic for this next chapter in my life as I embark upon this new journey with District 65 and the Evanston community.”
Parham’s career has focused on student learning and success, from her time as a dean and academic advisor to a teacher of middle school social studies, speech communication, and English language arts and reading. Her goal is to ensure that all District 65 students receive a high-quality education in a safe, fun, nurturing environment every day.
“We are so excited to have Mrs. Parham join the JEH Early Childhood Center community,” said Superintendent Devon Horton. “She is truly a student-centered leader who will help our youngest learners reach their full potential.”
Parham holds a bachelor’s degree in elementary education and a master’s degree in education administration from Governors State University. She also holds endorsements in Early Childhood Special Education and as a Learning Behavior Specialist (LBS). When she’s not learning and growing alongside the students she serves, she enjoys being outdoors, spending time with family and friends, reading motivational literature and running.