East Bay Elementary School Principal to Lead Bay Area Discovery Museum’s Learning Department
October 5, 2022 – Sausalito, CA – The Bay Area Discovery Museum announced today that Drew Sarratore is the newest addition to their leadership team as the Director of Playful Learning. He started his position on September 29, 2022. The appointment comes at the conclusion of a nationwide search led by Chief Executive Officer, Kelly McKinley, working with museum recruiters from the Art Consulting Group (ACG). Sarratore brings over ten years of experience in educational leadership and community engagement and has been an advocate for playful learning throughout his professional career in schools across California.
“I am excited to see playful learning on a daily basis. 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,” said Drew Sarratore.
Sarratore comes to the museum from William G. Paden Elementary School in Alameda, where he served as principal for five years. During his tenure at the school, Serratore led his team in creating a student maker space, family play nights, and innovative recess experiences that centered play and fewer rules. Sarratore spearheaded numerous community engagement programs that increased student attendance, caregiver participation, and input and created a relief fund for families in need during COVID.
“Having a former elementary school principal as our Director of Playful Learning is a unique opportunity,” said Kelly McKinley, CEO of Bay Area Discovery Museum. “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.”
Motivated by his childhood, being raised by a Reggio-Emilia-inspired educator, Sarratore developed a love and passion for education through playful learning. He started his career as an elementary school teacher with Teach for America before continuing to teach at Lou Dantzler Preparatory Charter Middle School (Los Angeles), followed by Loyola Marymount University. Sarratore began taking leadership roles in education when he started his tenor as Principal at Rocketship Los Suenos Academy (San Jose). Other leadership positions include Head of School at Vincent Academy Elementary School (Oakland).
Sarratore earned a Bachelor of Arts in Communications from Indiana University, and Masters of Arts in Multiple Subject Teaching from Loyola Marymount University, and Educational Leadership and Policy Studies from California State University of Northridge. He has been recognized for his exceptional educational leadership with a PBIS Community Involvement Award in 2020 and 2021 and a PBIS gold medal in 2018 and 2019.
Sarratore’s appointment as Director of Playful Learning completes the Leadership Team, led by Chief Executive Officer, Kelly McKinley, who took the helm in January 2020. Serratore joins McKinley and Monica Bonny (Chief Finances and Operations Officer), Denise Marica (Director of Development), Kim Taylor (Head of HR and Talent) and JJ Karcz (Director of Marketing and Visitor Experience). Serratore will lead Bay Area Discovery Museum’s Learning and Museum Experience departments.
Credit: Bay Area Discovery Museum
About the Bay Area Discovery Museum
A 501c3, the Bay Area Discovery Museum’s mission is to create playful learning experiences that inspire a passion for discovery in every child. Children grow and thrive through joyful play, and when children and families thrive, our communities thrive.