Experienced teacher, successful administrator, world traveler, and author, meet Dr. Karon Schnitzer, the new principal at Pacific Beach Elementary School. Raised in Ocean Beach, Schnitzer is a product of San Diego schools graduating from Point Loma High School.

In asking Schnitzer about her inspiration for working in education, her eyes lit up as she shared her experience at Crown Point Elementary School. “It was the year 2000 and I was enrolled at SDSU as a business and marketing major. Can you believe it?” Schnitzer said. “I took a part-time job at Crown Point as a college student worker. I was assigned to a second-grade classroom and I fell in love with teaching. I went back to SDSU and changed my major.”

After completing her teaching credential, her master’s degree in cross-cultural education, and teaching every grade from kindergarten through sixth, she headed back to SDSU to earn her administrative credential.

“I loved my learning experience so much at SDSU that I submitted my application to join the doctoral program.” She completed her Ed.D. in 2019. After four years as a school administrator in Chula Vista, she applied for the open principal job at PB Elementary. Her application process included four different levels of screening and interviews that included district office staff, administrators from other schools, parents, and staff from PBES, and ultimately the district superintendent.

When asked about her first few weeks at PB Elementary, again her eyes light up. “I love PBES. We are truly a family school. I was welcomed so warmly by the staff and the community.”

When asked to discuss her vision for PBES, she says she sees a school where every “child’s potential is recognized, celebrated and cultivated. Informed by the principles of neuroscience, we can unlock the unique capabilities of each student. Our vision is to create a school community where every child feels valued, supported, and empowered to explore their talent and capabilities.”

Fun Facts about Schnitzner:

1.) Enjoys traveling: Italy, Germany, China, Amsterdam, and France.

2.) Has two children: Angelica, graduating from SDSU in May 2024, and Jordan, who works part-time at KUSI television.

3.) Is a published author in Leadership magazine as well as her book, “The Life Inside Brainopolis.”

4.) Teaches a class at San Diego State University helping to prepare future teachers for their credentials.