Susan Charles made an indelible mark during her tenure as the principal of Ohlone Elementary School from 1997 to 2009, contributing significantly to the school's growth and development. Her journey to Ohlone began unexpectedly, as she initially pursued high school education but found herself teaching at the elementary level under the guidance of Jim Mathiott.
In an interview, Susan reminisces about her entry into Ohlone: "I always say you never know where life leads you. When I was at Berkeley doing my administrative program, I studied for a semester with Jim, the principal who started Ohlone. Then, years later, I got a call from the district. Candace Simpson called and asked me to be the interim principal. But it turned into 14 and a half years."
Susan Charles's leadership transformed Ohlone Elementary School, introducing core values that would become the heartbeat of the institution. She recalls her early efforts to understand the school's identity: "I decided to interview every teacher for half an hour. I wanted each of them to tell me what is the only way. Everyone had a different story. So, we decided to find out together what the Ohlone way was."
Out of this collective exploration, the Ohlone core values were born. Susan brought parents into the process, creating the Core Values Committee to ensure the school community stayed aligned with these principles. She emphasized the importance of living these values, not just stating them: "I felt after a year we were living it, and then the district needed to know who we are and what we stand for."
Under Susan’s leadership, Ohlone Elementary School became synonymous with a commitment to social-emotional well-being. She passionately spoke about deviating from standardized tests and embracing a focus on individual strengths: "It's not about standardized tests. It's about bringing out the best in people."
One of Susan’s most impactful initiatives was the Mandarin Immersion program, introduced in 2008. In response to community concerns, she made it clear: "It's not a school within the school. It's the same school, and the children would do everything in Mandarin." She advocated for learning multiple languages, emphasizing the importance of expanding horizons.
Reflecting on her approach to behavioral issues, Susan shared an anecdote about changing behavior through positive reinforcement: "How do you change behavior? We don't shame and embarrass; we flip it. I told three boys to recognize good behavior in others. After two weeks, they never had issues again."
Susan Charles's impact extended beyond her tenure. Former students, now successful adults, attributed their achievements to the foundation laid at Ohlone. She mentioned a Rhodes Scholar who credited her elementary education for fostering a love of learning, not just chasing grades.
In the ever-evolving landscape of education, Susan’s advice for maintaining core values is simple: make them a reality, not just words on paper. Her legacy at Ohlone Elementary School is a testament to the transformative power of leadership grounded in a commitment to holistic education and the well-being of every child.