Principal Karen McCollum

Dear Clayton Elementary families, staff, and community, 

My name is Karen McCollum and I am so excited to join this amazing community as Nan Clayton Elementary’s new principal. Teachers and families have made Clayton the incredible school it is today and I am honored to serve in the principal role 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 sixteen years ago and love living here with my husband, Jeff and our two boisterous children. Brooks is six years old and just finished Kindergarten and Marshall is three and a half. 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 elementary 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. My latest role was 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 couldn’t be more excited to return to elementary school.

I can’t wait to partner with you, so 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