Principal's Corner

Rachel Michele Clark is an educator who realizes “to whom much is given, much is required”. She was born and predominantly raise in St. Louis, Missouri (with the exception of living in Alameda/Oakland, California for 4 years). She attended Carr Lane Elementary School, Shaw VPA, and is a proud Wolverine from Vashon High School. Rachel began her post-secondary education at Truman University (formerly Northeast Missouri State University). She would be the first to admit that she was unprepared for the level of commitment required at that point. After taking a step back to reevaluate the direction her life needed to travel, she decided to enlist in the United States Army. She is a proud veteran of Operation Desert Storm in Saudi Arabia.

During this time of her life, she became the mother of three very intellectual children-Ryean (26), Raygan (25) and Rayne (21). She is also “Mimi” to grandson Ronin. Rachel worked as a medical lab specialist after an honorable discharge from the Army but always felt something was missing. She enrolled as a student in Harris Stowe State University where she earned a Bachelor’s of Science in Secondary Education-Unified Sciences/Biology. Her career in education began at Roosevelt High School but it was Beaumont High School where her leadership skills really began to surface. Rachel received a Masters of Arts in Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis from the University of Missouri Columbia.

The majority of her administrative work was in St. Louis Public Schools. Her leadership journey began in 2005 -2013. She gained a wealth of experience and knowledge by working at Sumner High School, Blewett Middle School, Big Picture Middle School, Dewey Elementary School, and Ford Elementary School. After leaving SLPS, finding a new district to call home was challenging. After two years, she was hired as a Biology and Anatomy & Physiology teacher at Riverview Gardens High School. The following year she accepted a position as Science Instructional Coach. After being encouraged by the school leadership team, she applied for an administrative position in the Riverview Gardens School District. She became principal of Central Middle School in 2018 and is currently in her second year. Her leadership role will continue in the same position as she continues to set personal and schoolwide goals. Her drive continues to focus on student achievement, professional growth for staff, and building a school nurturing school community that thrives on positive culture, results, and school spirit. Let us not forget that she is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated.