April 4, 2025 (Washington D.C.) – This week, the Institute for Educational Leadership (IEL) remembers one of our Washington, D.C. EPFP Alumni, Maurice R. Sykes, who passed away earlier this week. Maurice dedicated much of his life to early childhood education, not just in our Nation’s Capital but across the country. As noted in his obituary, “he was a generous, thoughtful, and courageous leader, mentor, colleague, and friend.”
Maurice began his career as a teacher, and developed a passion for early education, fueling a lifelong commitment to students and teachers. He eventually became “a teacher trainer and curriculum developer, ultimately leading him to serve as the director of the Early Childhood Leadership Institute at the University of the District of Columbia.”
He also served in the District of Columbia Public School System as Deputy Superintendent for its Center for Systemic Educational Change as well as Director of DCPS’s early childhood programs. Additionally, he advised the U.S. Department of Education on educational policy and programs related to urban school improvement, and took on many other roles in the field, publishing several books as well.
After his time as an IEL DC EPFP Fellow from 1978 – ’79, he became a Site Coordinator, acting as an influential member of a network of education policy leaders, now over 12,000 people strong.
Some of Maurice’s many accolades include the Charles A. Miller Distinguished Service Award from Inspired Child, the Marjorie Holloman Parker Distinguished Educator Award, and being inducted into the D.C. Hall of Fame Society for his numerous contributions to the field of early childhood education.
“Maurice was a key mentor and advisor to me and other IEL staff as we developed our own understanding of early childhood programming and learning,” shares IEL Chief Programs Officer Kwesi Rollins. “His insights helped us develop the right level of supports for our Community Schools and Family Engagement partners across the country.”
IEL President Eddie Koen added, “it’s clear Maurice was a cherished leader and champion of quality education for all students, especially young children. The principles he espoused about advocacy and social justice are what IEL is all about. His vision for all young children to see themselves as “change agents” in the education system is something we align with today and constantly work towards.”