After graduating from Thornton Township High School, Patrice Payne originally chose to major in engineering at Pepperdine University. However, after volunteering at a literacy camp one summer during college, she quickly became interested in education. After switching her major to education, Payne received a Bachelor of Arts degree in English, Speech, and Secondary Education at Pepperdine University, a Masters of Arts in Educational Administration at Governors State University, and a Doctorate in Educational Leadership at the University of Southern California. 

After nine years as an English teacher at her alma mater Thornton Township High School, being a Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) Coordinator at Rich Township High School, Director of Instructional Equity at Hinsdale Central High School, and current Assistant Principal of Teaching and Learning at Maine East High School, Payne was appointed as the LT’s new Director of Curriculum and Instruction on Feb. 18.

“I think I was destined to be in education,” Payne said. “I’ve always marveled at these historic figures like Malcolm X and Martin Luther King Jr., and the courage they had. I found my avenue to contributing to the world and helping others through education and making sure that I’m showing up to school thinking about every kid, especially the kids who struggle. I truly believe that every child needs a champion.”

The process of appointing a new Director of Curriculum and Instruction began in the fall of the 2024-25 school year with the recognition of current Director Scott Eggerding’s retirement, Superintendent Brian Waterman said. Then, in late November, applications for the position were being accepted through January. From January through mid-February an interview process was led with interview teams consisting of students, staff, division chairs, coaches, and administrators and a screening team that involved Principal Jennifer Tyrrell, Director of Equity and Belonging Jennifer Rowe, Director of Student Services Leslie Owens, Director of Human Resources Ed Piotrowski, and Waterman, all leading to the hiring of Payne. 

“I think what I was most impressed with was [Payne’s] ability to bring people together and help lead them towards a goal,” Waterman said. “The facilitation of skills and the ability to work with others is such an important part of [this] role. I think she’ll be fantastic for our district.”

As director, Payne will oversee curriculum and instruction programs, working closely with LT’s division chairs and course teams, making sure that the curriculum aligns with standards and is relevant, Waterman said. Payne will also have a significant involvement in professional learning and will work alongside Tyrrell, Rowe, and Owens. 

“I am super excited to do a lot of partnering, and I know the core of my partnerships will involve ongoing collaboration with Dr. Rowe, Dr. Owens, Dr. Tyrell, and our Division Chairs.” Payne said. “I think it’s incredibly important that we come together in partnership to make sure we’re thinking of the whole student. Academics is super important, but academics doesn’t happen unless the student is safe and feels supported and has what they need in terms of their social emotional well-being.”

Payne will begin her role as director on July 1.

“My experience in being surrounded by great educators, whether it was my own mother or whether it was the long list of amazing teachers I’ve had, [has] all had a special impact on me, even through college,” Payne said. “I was able to have so many people who encouraged me and helped me to become my best self, and I think it’s only right to pay it forward and be a bridge for somebody else who comes after me.”