About Prologue Inc.
In many ways Prologue is an extension of the 1960s, with its movement for civil and human rights, political passion for social justice, poverty programs, community activism, and the Mississippi “freedom schools” run by Franciscan nuns. That sensibility led our founders to hear the needs voiced to us by young people. We responded in 1973 by establishing Prologue Inc. as a community based not-for-profit organization dedicated to educating low-income youth and adults.
Today, Prologue Inc. is an education institution North Central Accredited and recognized by the Illinois State Board of Education. We grant our own diploma to fulfill contractual obligations with all our funding sources. Graduating students must pass the Federal /Illinois Constitution Test, score acceptably on other exams, and have performed several hours of community service. Prologue was among the first members of the Alternative Schools Network
Beyond our high schools, our Community Based Programs provide a variety of education, certified training, employment, and health services at several sites for older youth and adults. Many of those served have difficulty finding help otherwise because of societal biases. Prologue can offer these individuals a welcoming environment because of the exceptionally committed, caring staff and supporters we have attracted over the years.
Prologue accepts students and hires staff without discrimination based on race, creed, color, religion, gender, or sexual orientation.
Administrators and Faculty
Responsible for leading Prologue are (left to right, standing) Lead Principal Pa Baboucarr Joof, Director of Community Based Programs Sherri Rembert, Houston Director Lisa Williams, (seated) Executive Director Nancy Jackson, and Mandela Director Jamillah Kareem.
Nancy Jackson – Executive Director
A pioneer in progressive education, Nancy Jackson has guided Prologue since 1991. Under her leadership Prologue expanded from one high school campus to three high school and three adult education campuses, as well as from a $300,000 annual budget to $4.5 million from diverse funding sources. Prior to that, she taught 10 years in Detroit public schools; helped secure funding for the first mobile library, computer lab and adult education centers based inside Chicago public housing; and created the nationally recognized Man To Man mentoring and alternative middle school STRIKE programs. She received her doctorate in education in June 2009, holds a masters in education administration with a curriculum development specialty, a BA in history/political science, and will complete her Type 75 principal’s certification in the fall of 2009.
Pa Baboucarr Joof – Lead Principal
Several education organizations have recognized Pa Baboucarr Joof for his outstanding contributions to the field of radical progressive education. His student-centered philosophy – which emphasizes knowledge as a means to liberation – has produced exceptional academic, behavioral, attendance, graduation, and post-secondary results for youth with significant barriers to success. He promotes equally high standards in developing the leadership, faculty and operational practices at Prologue's three high school campuses. He introduced martial arts, African drumming/dancing, Swahili, and social justice themes at the high school level. A community organizer and activist throughout Africa and the U.S. for over 35 years, he taught or supervised at several local Chicago-area colleges before joining Prologue as an instructor in 1984. He earned masters degrees in both intercultural studies and educational leadership with a Type 75, as well as a BA in philosophy.
Sherri Hal-Rembert – Director, Community Based Programs
After earning a BA in political science, Sherri Hal-Rembert worked for 23 years in Chicago’s Department of Human Services in program development, community organizing, grant and contract management. She began monitoring and supervising youth programs for Prologue in 2001. In 2006, she helped develop the adult-focused division she now oversees, which offers low-income, “non-traditional” learners a second chance through education, employment, training, job readiness, and career paths at three sites. She fosters a holistic approach that encompasses health and family services to aid those served “make meaningful changes in their lives, including helping change situations of their loved ones.” The various programs have produced superior retention and placement rates, despite enrollees’ meager prior academic preparation and major personal challenges.
Lisa Williams – Director, Charles H. Houston Alternative Charter High School
Lisa Williams became the director of the Charles H. Houston campus in 2004. She has since guided Houston to several honors, victorious academic competitions and exceptional success sending students to college. A qualified therapeutic counselor to individuals and families, she considers herself “a social worker at heart” and has devoted most of her career to at-risk children and youth. She is currently working toward her doctorate in social work, already has an MSW, masters in urban policy & planning and human services administration, with a BA in communication arts/secondary education.
Jamillah Kareem – Director, Winnie Mandela Intergenerational Alternative High School
Jamillah Kareem originally served the Prologue family as co-director of the A. Phillip Randolph Adult Learning Center, beginning in 2003. Shortly thereafter, she became on-site administrator of the newly opened Mandela campus. She brought project-based instruction, “an African perspective, which emphasizes what’s good for all of the students, not just a select few,” and a passion for “expanding the concept of what is doable.” Her own broad-based background includes a PhD. in theology, masters in education, BA in family counseling, BS in nursing, and certification in CISCO systems instruction. She continues to add to her subject-area teaching certifications beyond her first in math and science.
Karen Stevenson – Administrator, Prologue Early College Education Alternative High School
Michele Stinson – Program Coordinator, A. Phillip Randolph Adult Learning Center
Hilda Lozano – Program Coordinator, Social & Educational Services
Dr. Ramona Smith – Program Coordinator Extended Learning, Charles H. Houston Alternative Charter High School
Lucretia Clay-Ward – Outreach Coordinator, NightMoves Mobile Outreach Program
Adrianna Collis – Instructor, GLBTQ Adult Education Program
Human Resources
Prologue hires staff without discrimination based on race, creed, color, religion, gender, or sexual orientation. Prologue also utilizes non-classroom teachers, consultants, instructional contractors, and volunteer mentors.
Those seeking classroom teaching positions should meet the following qualifications:
• College degree in area related to area of instruction
• Strong commitment to alternative education
• Experience working with low-income youth and varied ethnic groups
• Commitment to the philosophy of Prologue Schools
For job openings; contract opportunities; and related descriptions, qualifications or performance criteria, call (773) 935-9925.
Partners
Board of Directors
Judge Kyra Payne, President
Dr. Elio Dearrudah, Treasurer
Robin Clark, Secretary
Dr. William Ayres
Dr. Joyce Bowen
Chris Fogarty
Sara Jane Knoy
Cheryl McDonald
Patricia Preston
Mary O'Sullivan
David Williams
Advisory Board
Atty. Rinda Allison
Helena Burke-Bivens
Chantel Curtis-Martin
Dr. Fred Gardaphe
Sister Athena "Tina" Godet-Calogeras
Atty. Laurie Granger
Peter Harlan,Architect
Joan Jackson, Architect
Mike Johnson, On-site Architectural
Lamarr Reid, Facilities
Keith Tate
Sister AliceTrebotoski
Major Supporters
Alternative Schools Network
Chicago Public Schools
Chicago Department of Public Health
City of Chicago
Illinois Community College Board
Illinois State Board of Education
State of Illinois
Youth Connection Charter Schools
Carr Foundation
Chicago Community Trust
McCormick-Tribune Charities
