Courtesy of Bernadette Lucas
Curiosity Expert: Bernadette Lucas
Principal, Melrose Elementary School Mathematics, Science, Technology Magnet
Bernadette C. Lucas is the principal of Melrose Elementary School, a science, technology, engineering, and math magnet elementary school in Los Angeles. Almost 70 percent of the school's 339 students are children of color and another 70 percent receive reduced or free lunch—and in 2010 the school improved 124 points on the State of California's Academic Performance Index, the biggest gains of any public school in the state, including middle and high schools. Under Lucas' leadership, the school has become an Apple Distinguished School, one of only 10 in California. She's also overseen the implementation of an impressive robotics program and a partnership with Henson studios to teach students animation. A native of Washington, D.C., Lucas graduated from the University of Virginia and came to Los Angeles as a Teach for America corps member. She earned her credential through the LAUSD District Intern Program and has over 20 years of education experience in LAUSD, as a classroom teacher, Title I Coordinator, District Intern Advisor, BTSA Advisor, Assistant Principal, Assistant Director of the LAUSD Teacher Certification Unit, and now as principal of Melrose.
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