Meet Our Principal --- Betha MacClain
Hello, I am Jack London Elementary School's principal, Betha MacClain. In case you are curious about me and how I came to Jack London, here is a little bit of background. I attended UC Berkeley as an undergraduate, studying studio art and theatrical costume. I worked as a commissioned artist and costume designer for independent film and theater prior to becoming a teacher. I hold a master's degree in Culture and Spirituality from Holy Names University and a master's degree in educational leadership from UC Berkeley's Principal Leadership Institute.
In past years, I worked as a grant coordinator and visual arts teacher in the ArtQuest program at Santa Rosa High School for nine years, coordinating arts integration programs in K-12 schools across Santa Rosa. While working in ArtQuest, I was also a member of the Sonoma County Arts Council Arts Education Alliance and the Sonoma County Museum Visioning Committee. I am currently a member of the Board of Directors of the Santa Rosa Symphony and I continue to maintain an art studio, although these days I am pretty busy at school. My commitment to the arts in education runs deep; I see it as one of the most authentic ways to create and express meaning. The arts engage all of our senses and intelligences, and provide avenues to expression for students who may not find success in other ways.
In addition to my teaching experiences in a variety of K-12 schools, both public and private, I worked as an instructional coach and school administrator in San Francisco and Petaluma before coming to Jack London. My leadership work has focused on equity issues, with an emphasis on developing programs for English Learners, Special Education, and re-engagement. My biggest goal as a principal is that our students feel excited to come to school each day, and that they maintain a love of learning and sense of curiosity that stays with them throughout their lives.
When I am not working and thinking about education, I love to cook, garden, and spend time outdoors with my family and our dogs.