New IUSD superintendent continues strong Irvine ties Cassie Parham was named superintendent of Irvine Unified School District in April to succeed Terry Walker, who retired this year. An Irvine Unified graduate herself, she began her career teaching English at University High. Parham shares insights on her role and vision for the district’s future.
What inspired you to pursue a career in education?
My parents were educators, and I had the privilege of teaching in the same University High classroom that my father, Jack, taught in after he helped open the school as an English teacher and football coach. My mother, Tammy, was Oak Creek Elementary’s first principal. As a product of Irvine schools, I experienced firsthand how a teacher can shape a student by instilling confidence and hope. As a child, I learned that teachers can empower their students. As an adult, I learned that education is the most powerful profession in the world…