We are pleased to announce the appointment of Susanne Reed as the next Principal for Havens Elementary School.
Susanne Reed is an experienced educational leader with a deep commitment to equity, curriculum development, and fostering positive school communities. With over 17 years in elementary teaching and nine years in administrative leadership, she has dedicated her career to ensuring that all students receive high-quality instruction and the support they need to succeed. As the current Principal of Rosa Parks Environmental Science Magnet in Berkeley Unified School District, Susanne oversees staff development, student behavior management, and community engagement initiatives. Her instructional leadership experience includes teaching practices and school climate improvements that create inclusive learning environments for all students.
Before becoming a Principal, Susanne served in various leadership roles, including Vice Principal at Bayview Elementary, assistant principal at Leadership Public Schools, and Coordinator of Professional Development for Berkeley Unified School District. In these positions, she designed and implemented professional development programs, facilitated teacher coaching, and led equity-focused initiatives, such as the district’s Equity Teacher Leader Team. Her experience coordinating curriculum pilots, state assessments, and intervention programs has strengthened her ability to lead schools with a focus on both academic excellence and social-emotional learning.
Susanne holds a Master of Fine Arts from Sarah Lawrence College and an Administrative Services Credential from California State University, East Bay. She also earned her Bachelor’s Degree from UC Santa Cruz. A lifelong learner, she has participated in numerous professional development trainings, including Harvard’s “Closing the Achievement Gap” conference and the National Equity Project’s “Instructional Coaching for Equity.” Susanne is passionate about leading schools where students develop a love of learning and a strong sense of community, and she looks forward to continuing her work in educational leadership.
The selection process for the Principal position was rigorous and comprehensive. We received a total of 34 applications, from which we shortlisted 5 candidates for the first round of interviews. Following this, 2 candidates were invited for a second round of interviews, including a separate meeting with the Superintendent. The interview panels were diverse, including teachers, staff, and parents. The process involved a writing task and a range of scenario and value-based questions, ensuring a fair and thorough evaluation of each candidate's suitability. Reference checks were also conducted. It was through this process that Susanne Reed emerged as the clear choice.
Throughout the selection process, Susanne Reed quickly distinguished herself as a standout candidate. Her student-centered approach to achievement, her ability to engage high-performing communities, and her deep expertise in curriculum and instructional design were evident at every stage of the interviews. With a proven track record of leadership and a commitment to fostering inclusive, high-achieving learning environments, Susanne is the ideal choice to lead Havens Elementary School.
