Today, the Washington State Charter Schools Association announced the members of the inaugural Washington State Charter Leader Cohort. These committed, trailblazing school leaders were chosen from a national search that resulted in over two-dozen applicants. Representatives from parent, university, school district, and charter communities participated in the selection process. These leaders will apply to lead high-quality public charter schools for underserved students in Washington state.
Kristina Bellamy-McClain
Kristina Bellamy-McClain is the principal at Emerson Elementary School, a high-poverty school in Seattle, Washington. She began teaching through Teach for America and went on to teach in Lynwood, California, and Anchorage, Alaska, before becoming a principal. She earned a Masters in Education, Educational Leadership from the University of Alaska in Anchorage and a Masters of Arts in Elementary Education from Loyola Marymount University.
Brenda McDonald
Brenda McDonald is the principal at Garry Middle School in Spokane, Washington, a position she has held since 2005. She began her career in education as a Special Education teacher and Math Specialist in Walla Walla. She is currently working on completing her Doctorate in Educational Leadership at Washington State University, where she also earned her Superintendent Credential. She holds two Masters, one in School Administration from Whitworth College, and one in Curriculum and Instruction, from Eastern Washington University.
Maggie O’Sullivan
Maggie O’Sullivan is the principal of Mirror Lake Elementary School in Federal Way, Washington. She completed the Danforth Educational Leadership Program at the University of Washington, and holds two Masters: a Masters in Education from Stanford University and a Masters in Liberal Arts from Wesleyan University. She began teaching at Foster High School in Tukwila, where she taught for 6 years before becoming a principal.
Cohort members will receive coaching on writing a charter school application and board member recruitment. They will also receive a planning stipend during 2013-14, and a variety of support services, including travel to visit high-performing public charter schools, and office space.
Head to our FAQ to learn more about the Washington State Charter School Leadership Cohort selection process.