Celebrating the Incredible Career of Dr. Joyce Booker-Thomas

Dr. Joyce Booker-Thomas didn’t envision pursuing education as a career. She started as a substitute to fill her time in between corporate jobs. But her school community ended up loving her and wanting her to stay. So, she became a teacher at West Park Academy. From there, she became the school’s technology coordinator, then its assistant principal, and finally its principal. 

She retired from West Park after having served there for nearly two decades. Even after retirement, she continues to serve CPS as an administrator-in-charge (AIC). AICs support school communities during the transitional period between principals. She estimates that she has served about 15 schools in this role. 

On top of that, she also mentors other AICs to ensure they feel comfortable and confident serving in that capacity. Get to know her more below.

Has serving as an AIC been what you expected, or has it been unexpected? 

Since I was born in Chicago, I know the city well, so that part was expected. However, this opportunity has exposed me to getting to know its neighborhoods even more. When you join a new school, I’ve found that the staff, students, and parents are always very happy to see you. You are helping them see that the school’s operations will continue and that high-quality teaching and learning will still happen even during a transition. 

In addition, you are able to bring a sense of safety and show the school that the District is still behind them and will help them move forward until either their principal returns or a new one is selected. 

What are your top priorities when you join a new school community as an AIC?

The first thing you always have to do is be extremely visible so the community knows that you are there. I always like to go in and out of classrooms and introduce myself so that I meet everyone and that they know that I am there to help them be successful. From there, it’s important to partner with the Local School Council (LSC) and the instructional leadership team to ensure that the school meets its goals and keeps moving forward. 

What advice would you give to a new AIC?

As I shared earlier, it’s very important to be visible. I always come to the school early so that I can meet and greet the students and staff as they come in. I also think it’s important to build strong partnerships with staff who are already at the school. I work very closely with assistant principals and school clerks. You should also focus on checking in routinely with the school’s LSC.

What’s your message to all of the school leaders across CPS for Principal Appreciation Month? 

Everyone across Chicago appreciates your work. I’m so appreciative that our schools continue to get better, and that is in large part thanks to their hard work. I want to encourage them to continue the good work they are doing. If we all keep working together, our students will continue to learn and excel.