Principal Karen McCollum

Dear Clayton Elementary families, staff, and community, 

My name is Karen McCollum and I am the proud principal of Nan Clayton Elementary. Our staff and families have made Clayton the incredible school it is today and I am honored to serve as our school’s principal, so that together, we continue the tradition of excellence and make this the best possible school for our children.

Originally from Dallas, I moved to Austin in 2006 and love living here with my husband, Jeff, and our two boisterous children, Brooks and Marshall. We enjoy cooking together in the kitchen, playing board games, working in the garden, and taking day trips around Austin to experience all our great city has to offer. I love to explore my interest in art by popping into one of our local art museums or dabbling in watercolors with my kids at the kitchen table. 

I am a proud third generation Texas public school educator and I believe that teaching children is an incredible responsibility full of joy and purpose. I started my career as a 3rd grade teacher in Pflugerville, then served as elementary instructional coach and as an elementary assistant principal. After my time in Pflugerville, I served as an assistant principal at Sycamore Springs Middle School in Dripping Springs ISD, where I helped open the school and served for five years. Elementary school has always been my passion and focus, and I believe that the elementary years should be a joyful time in a child’s life. I was excited to return to elementary school as Clayton’s Principal in the summer of 2022.

Please know that my door is always open as we work together to continue the excellent student-centered culture at Nan Clayton Elementary. I commit to helping our children develop a love of learning, participate actively in a challenging and fun classroom experience, find their voices as leaders, and give back to our greater community.

With gratitude,

Karen McCollum