BALDWIN PARK – Following a 38-year career as an educator and principal in Baldwin Park Unified School District, Kenmore Elementary Principal Jane Sattari retired at the end of June.
Sattari, who became principal at Kenmore in 2010, led the school to notable milestones and earned titles that include: Best Urban School, California Honor Roll, California Distinguished School and Top Los Angeles School Award.

“My heart is at Kenmore,” Sattari said. “I feel like I can keep going but I realize I can’t go on forever, and we have good systems and a good culture in place so that the successes can continue.”

Sattari dreamed of being a teacher since elementary school, as she loved her teachers and had a passion for school and learning. After graduating high school, Sattari earned a bachelor’s degree in English from California State Los Angeles and later earned a master’s in education from Azusa Pacific University.

She began as a resource and classroom teacher, instructing fourth and fifth grades at Baldwin Park Unified’s Charles Bursch and Vineland elementary schools. Sattari earned District Teacher of the Year honors while at each school.

“I’ve had a very successful career and a very rewarding one,” Sattari said. “I had a vision to make students, teachers and parents believe that we can make every child successful.”

When Sattari was promoted to principal of Kenmore, she piloted a writing program to increase student comprehension and retention. Over the last nine years, she has developed a culture of high standards that supports students’ path to success.

Sattari also refocused goals on reading, introducing thinking maps to bolster student engagement and access to academic vocabulary.

“Every parent wants a better life for their child and Kenmore parents understand that education is the key,” Sattari said.

Sattari not only instilled confidence in her students, but also motivated her teachers and empowered them to be leaders on campus. Kenmore teachers worked on team building efforts and observed one another in the classroom.

“I wouldn’t ask a teacher to do something that I wouldn’t do myself,” Sattari said. “I wanted to make teachers accountable and trusted that everyone has strengths that can be capitalized on.”
Sattari also ensured that Kenmore teachers were proficient in 21st Century training.

“Jane Sattari has become a staple of Baldwin Park Unified, making certain that all our students succeed and receive a high-quality education,” Superintendent Dr. Froilan N. Mendoza said. “Her drive and passion will be tremendously missed, and we wish her all the best on this exciting time.”

PHOTO:

JANE_SATTARI: Following a 38-year career as an educator and principal in Baldwin Park Unified School District, Kenmore Elementary Principal Jane Sattari retired at the end of June.