The Bay Area Discovery Museum (BADM) has selected Drew Sarratore as Director of Playful Learning, following an executive search process led by Arts Consulting Group (ACG). He began his tenure on September 29, 2022.
Drew Sarratore is an accomplished professional, whose career in education leadership and community engagement spans over a decade. Most recently, Sarratore served as School Principal at William G. Paden Elementary School, Alameda Unified School District. In this role, he not only designed and implemented an effective yearly strategic plan based on goals set for teachers and staff but also administrated community research to better assist the school district’s families. During his tenure, Sarratore grew parent attendance in meetings by 200% and increased parent volunteer participation from 56% to 70%. An advocate for equal learning opportunities, he also developed and managed Inclusive Special Education model, recognized by the California Charter School Association as the best innovative special education practice.
Prior to that, Sarratore held positions as Principal at Rocketship Los Sueños Academy and Head of School at Vincent Academy Elementary School, where he established initiatives that helped reduce chronic student absences from 11% to 5.8%. He also previously served as Adjunct Professor & Secondary Science Methods and Instruction at Loyola Marymount University and Dean of Students & Science Teacher at Lou Dantzler Preparatory Charter Middle School. Sarratore is a recipient of the API Improvement Award and the California PBIS Coalition Community Involvement Awards. He holds a bachelor of arts degree in communication from Indiana University as well as a master of arts in multiple subject education from Loyola Marymount University and master of arts in educational leadership & policy studies from California State University of Northridge.
In making the announcement, Chief Executive Officer of BADM Kelly McKinley said, “Having a former elementary school principal as our Director of Playful Learning is a unique opportunity. Drew's energy, passion, and knowledge will be invaluable as we expand participation and develop key community partnerships to provide every child in the Bay Area with joyful play opportunities to grow and thrive.”
“I am excited to see playful learning on a daily basis,” said Sarratore. “It is energizing to be a part of a team that is creating 'a-ha' moments for children and working to bring this incredible experience to all Bay Area children.”
“ACG was honored to work with the search committee, board, and staff of the Bay Area Discovery Museum,” said ACG Senior Vice President Nan Keeton. “We extend our congratulations to Drew on his appointment to Director of Playful Learning. Drew is a thoughtful, informed, and collaborative leader that will ensure the museum’s place as one of the Bay Area’s anchor community organizations.”
October 2022