Jackson and Cleveland Elementary
Principals Named
July 14, 2010
Pasadena, CA – Pasadena Unified School District (PUSD) Superintendent Edwin Diaz announced yesterday that he has promoted Shannon A. Malone to principal of Cleveland Elementary School and Rita M. Exposito to principal of Jackson Elementary School. Both Ms. Exposito and Ms. Malone were introduced at last night’s Board of Education meeting. Ms. Malone has led PUSD’s professional development office for the last two years; Ms. Exposito has been a literacy coach since 2005.
“Shannon has demonstrated extraordinary leadership, collaboration and commitment to differentiated training and instruction tailored to the needs of our diverse student population,” said Superintendent Diaz. “With her strong focus on developing and enhancing the skills and strengths of employees and her teaching background, she will raise the bar for academic achievement for all students at Cleveland and PUSD.”
As coordinator of the district’s professional development unit, Ms. Malone was key to realizing PUSD’s goal of strengthening the capacity and skills of all employees. She coordinated and planned professional development for teachers, counselors, non-teaching and administrative staff, including summer professional development institutes.
Ms. Malone was previously the District’s math coach and supported teachers in mathematics instruction, served as summer school principal, and was the language development resource teacher at Hamilton Elementary School. She began her career as a Spanish teacher at Manual Arts High School in the Los Angeles Unified School District.
A fluent Spanish speaker, Ms. Malone holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Spanish Linguistics from the University of Southern California (USC), a Master’s in Cross-Cultural Teaching from National University, and an Administrative Credential from California State Polytechnic University in Pomona, California.
She replaces Francine Williams, PhD, who led Cleveland Elementary School to a 29-point surge in its Academic Performance Index.
“I look forward to leading Cleveland and working with the students, staff, parents, and community to continue building on its success,” said Ms. Malone.
Ms. Exposito, the new principal of Jackson Elementary School, has been the literacy coach at Washington Accelerated Elementary School since 2005. As literacy coach, she supported teachers through the analysis of data, setting of clear goals, staff development, and collaborative planning. She was previously the language development resource teacher responsible for the school’s English learner programs. Ms. Exposito joined PUSD in 2000.
“Rita brings classroom and staff development experience to Jackson Elementary School,” said Superintendent Diaz. “Her experience with a diverse student population will help take Jackson Elementary students to the next level of achievement.”
Prior to joining PUSD, Ms. Exposito was a teacher in the Monrovia Unified School District and the Azusa Unified School District. She began her career as a teacher in the Alhambra Unified School District.
“I am honored and thrilled to join Jackson Elementary School,” said Ms. Exposito. “I will give it my all to raise student achievement and to benefit children and the community.”
Ms. Exposito holds a Bachelor’s degree from Pepperdine University, a Master’s in Education and an administrative credential from California State Polytechnic University in Pomona.
She replaces Rose Ingber, who retired this year.
Cleveland Elementary School and Jackson Elementary School are among five PUSD schools that will welcome new principals in September. Announcements about new principals for Blair IB School and Pasadena High School will be made later this summer.
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