K-12 Director of Equity, Inclusion & Social-Emotional LearningMichelle Belton

I am a proud Washingtonian! I was born in the city, and my family has called Washington, DC, home for several generations. I come to McLean with a wealth of experience as a former Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging, in which I was the first to hold this position and help to see the role and office grow. I have also held Admission positions and enjoyed being a sixth and seventh-grade advisor. I discovered a passion for history as a 7th-grade Social Studies teacher. Some of my external connections include currently serving locally on the AISGW (Association of Independent Schools of Greater Washington) Membership Committee and as a Peer Workshop Reviewer for the NAIS People of Color Conference for the last two years.I am really jazzed by recently being appointed as a Teacher Fellow for the Learning For Justice Organization and co-leading a virtual professional development learning community about Teaching Hard History and American Slavery. I enjoy challenging myself and learning new things. Helping students think critically about the world, and finding ways to be engaged citizens is a strong motivator and passion of mine. I am inspired by the creative ways students want to engage in finding solutions or offering support to a community need.

My ultimate joy comes from spending time with my three adult daughters, Jade, Jasmine, and Jordan, and my newest adventure of being a grandmother to two beautiful granddaughters, Saffron and Sage. I also enjoy attending my husband’s rock & blues gigs around the area! Just don’t ask me to sing!