Dear Beech Tree Elementary Community,

The Region 2 Leadership Team is pleased to announce Ms.Taiia Clarke as the new principal at Beech Tree Elementary, effective November 14, 2022.

Ms. Clarke, currently the Assistant Principal at Glen Forest Elementary, is an experienced administrator with a track record of impactful leadership, capable of leading multiple programs in diverse settings. Ms. Clarke is a compassionate leader who believes in building the capacity of staff and students. She is experienced in leading collaborative teams that include special education and EL teachers, ensuring accommodations and supports are in place for all students. Ms. Clarke has created multi-tiered support systems ensuring equitable outcomes for all students. Ms. Clarke worked with PLCs to implement Local Level IV, Special Education, and ELL programs within her school to meet the varying needs of a diverse student population.

Ms. Clarke brings a collaborative approach to Beech Tree Elementary, always engaging the community, staff, and students. She works to maximize and employ a culture of responsive instruction and an environment where diversity is embraced. Ms. Clarke is dedicated to establishing a challenging yet supportive environment conducive to collaboration and problem-solving.

During her tenure as an Assistant Principal at Braddock Elementary (K-5), Hill point Elementary (K-5), and George P. Phenix (PreK-8), she supervised special education programs, ESOL programs, as well as Advanced Academic programs in grades K-8. Ms. Clarke is highly prepared to support the current academic programs at Beech Tree. As a former Special Education Coordinator and Behavior Specialist Coach, Ms. Clarke supported the socio-emotional needs of students who required specialized instruction and who were twice-exceptional. In addition, Ms. Clarke has monitored instructional programs focused on deeper learning and rigorous instruction at the tier 1 level. Because of her deep background in Special Education, Ms. Clarke is an expert at analyzing school-wide data, leading to the creation of multi-tiered support systems to ensure equitable outcomes for all students.

Ms. Clarke has nineteen years of experience in public education, with eight years serving as a school administrator. Her career started as a special education teacher, serving students with Autism in Norfolk, Virginia. Ms. Clarke holds a Bachelor's from Audrey Cohen College, a Master's from Regent University, Post Master's from George Washington University, and is currently working on her Doctorate from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University.

Ms. Clarke is excited to join the Beech Tree Elementary family. She will continue to work closely with the current Beech Tree  Elementary Interim Principal, Stephanie Carpenter, and our Beech Tree  Elementary Assistant Principal to continue the great work the current administration has started for this school year. Please join me in welcoming Ms.Taiia Clarke as the new principal of Beech Tree Elementary.

Sincerely,
Fabio Zuluaga, Ed.D.
Assistant Superintendent, Region 2