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Tuesday, April 19, 2011

Brizard won praise from N.Y. colleagues, catcalls from unions - Chicago Sun-Times

Brizard won praise from N.Y. colleagues, catcalls from unions - Chicago Sun-Times

Brizard won praise from N.Y. colleagues, catcalls from unions

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Jean-Claude Brizard leaves Kelly High School after Mayor-Elect Rahm Emanuel introduced him as the new CEO of Chicago Public Schools, Monday, April 18, 2011 during a press conference. | Jean Lachat~Sun-Times

Born in Haiti and raised in poverty in a New York housing project by his immigrant parents — both teachers — Jean-Claude Brizard had to fight his way to the top.

For a man supporters describe as as a charismatic charmer with a winning smile, the 6 foot 5 educator known to pals as “J.C.” has collected his fair share of anecdotes to illustrate his steelier side.

When, in his early days as a teacher of teen inmates at Riker’s Island jail, his students picked up chairs and came at him, Brizard won their respect by picking up a chair himself and telling them he wasn’t afraid to go down