Brizard won praise from N.Y. colleagues, catcalls from unions
By KIM JANSSEN Staff Reporter/kjanssen@suntimes.com Apr 19, 2011 2:11AM
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
ARTICLE EXTRAS
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
