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Dr. Sheila Harrison-
Williams Named IASA
President
Jason Nevel
,
IASA Assistant Director of Communications
There is a true saying that nothing can prepare you for the
first time you step through the school doors on your first
day as a teacher.
However, that didn’t stop Dr. Sheila Harrison-Williams
from trying.
“I was overly prepared,” recalled Harrison-Williams, who is
currently in her 15th year as superintendent of Hazel Crest
School District 152½ and 18th year as superintendent
overall, about her first day as a young teacher.
“My principal, Dr. Belin-Williamson allowed me to come
in during the summer before my first year to get my
classroom together. I wanted to make sure my classroom
was perfect, so I went through the school and took chairs
from other classrooms to make sure that I had chairs of
all one color, instead of the kaleidoscope of colors I saw
in other classrooms. I wanted to be prepared for my kids
and make sure they had everything they needed, so I
purchased lots of school supplies.”
Preparation is one of the many tools Harrison-Williams
brings to her new role as president of the Illinois
Association of School Administrators. She began her one-
year term July 1.
Dr. Brent Clark, executive director of IASA, said Harrison-
Williams’ vast experience and strong leadership skills will
provide solid leadership for IASA.
“Dr. Sheila Harrison-Williams has been on the IASA Board
of Directors since 2007. She is a respected educator and
leader who is committed to providing the best possible
educational opportunities in public schools,” Clark said.
“Sheila’s leadership skills will help move us forward in
our mission to further advance and empower educational
excellence for children and to promote our advocacy
policies that support the highest-quality public education
in Illinois.”
Being named president is a great honor, Harrison-Williams
said.
“Throughout my years of involvement, IASA has been a
consistent source of support and fellowship, an avenue for
professional growth and an advocate for public education,”
she said. “I am a better leader and stronger educator as a
result of my involvement in IASA.”
Passion for education
Harrison-Williams was born and raised in Clarksdale, MS
by her grandparents, until the age of 8. She grew up on
the West side of Chicago and attended Chicago Public
Schools, where she graduated from Westinghouse Area
Vocational High School.