Ruth Hellams brings 25 years of experience as an educational leader. She holds an Educational Doctorate in Leadership from the University of California San Diego/California State University San Marcos Joint Doctoral Program. Ruth most recently served as a high school principal at an innovative nontraditional school whose culture for teaching and learning is predicated on the principles of Competency-Based Education, Competency-Based Grading practices and the use of Restorative Practices as the foundation for building and sustaining a culture of excellence.  Prior to her principalship, Ruth was a district Director of Curriculum and Professional Development where she facilitated curriculum design teams across all disciplines and led a district-wide PLC initiative.   In 2014, Ruth was recognized by the Association of California School Administrators as their Region 18 C&I Administrator of the Year. 

Ruth’s leadership philosophy is rooted in the belief that the principal serves as the school’s Lead Learner whose role is to relentlessly focus on building and sustaining school culture through collaboration and innovation.  Her passion is to assist schools in transforming traditional teaching and learning practices to create more equitable learning experiences for all scholars.  Through an interdisciplinary curricular approach and competency-based/master based grading practices, Ruth is a champion for reimagining schools that seek to break from tradition and embrace new and innovative ideas that foster a joy for learning.