At Carl Sandburg High School, Olivia Parker has spent the past six years teaching students to think critically about history, geography and the world around them. Beginning in August, she will take on a new role shaping how those lessons and others across multiple disciplines are delivered schoolwide.
The Consolidated High School District 230 Board recently approved Parker as the next division chair for Social Studies, Art and World Language at Sandburg. She will step into the leadership position at the start of the 2026-27 school year.
Parker, who joined Sandburg in 2020, has taught a range of courses including Advanced Placement and on-level classes, as well as co-taught sections designed to support diverse learners. Colleagues say she has been deeply involved in curriculum discussions, focusing on clear learning targets, formative assessments and strategies to engage students across disciplines.
Before coming to Orland Park, Parker spent four years teaching in Round Rock, Texas, where she led AP Human Geography and World Geography courses.
In a statement, Parker said Sandburg quickly felt like home and credited fellow teachers in the division with shaping her growth as an educator. She called it a privilege to continue working alongside colleagues who are passionate about their craft and about students, adding that she looks forward to serving the Eagle community in a new capacity.
Principal Derrick Smith said Parker’s classroom experience and background in curriculum development make her a strong fit for the role. He expressed confidence in her ability to balance the needs of both students and teachers while guiding the division forward.
As division chair, Parker will help oversee instruction and collaboration among teachers in social studies, art and world language, departments that together touch nearly every student in the building during their four years at Sandburg.
Parker earned a bachelor’s degree in secondary social studies education from the University of Texas at Arlington and a master’s degree in principal preparation from Concordia University Chicago in River Forest.
This sounds like a great role. Good luck!