Equity-Focused Educator Joins Samohi Leadership Team
By Diana Bouchaaya, SMMUSD Communications Specialist
The Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District (SMMUSD) Board of Education approved the appointment of Jane Han as a new Santa Monica High School (Samohi) house principal at its regular board meeting on June 5, 2024. Han brings over 15 years of educational experience to SMMUSD, including roles as principal, assistant principal of instruction, lead teacher, and math department chair. She most recently served as principal of Stella Middle Charter Academy in Los Angeles, where she led the school through major transitions, including a merger, relocation, and the return to in-person instruction following COVID-19 closures.
Under her leadership, the school achieved significant academic gains aligned with Common Core State Standards in both math and literacy. Han also oversaw the implementation of a social-emotional learning program that achieved Compass Certification and model school designation within three years.
“I am deeply honored and excited to join the Samohi community,” said Han. “I was drawn to the school and district by the rich diversity of its student body and the community’s strong commitment to social justice, equity, and excellence for all. I look forward to contributing to the important work happening at Samohi and to learning from the incredible teachers, staff, students, and families who make this community so special.”
As an instructional leader, Han has built and supported effective teaching teams, implemented rigorous academic standards, and fostered a schoolwide culture of high expectations and care. She has also led teacher coaching, professional learning communities, and data-driven intervention programs to support student achievement.
Her teaching experience includes math courses from pre-algebra to AP Calculus. She has mentored early-career educators, facilitated department collaboration, and helped develop instructional strategies that support diverse learners. Han earned a bachelor’s degree in history and sociology with a minor in Mathematics from Columbia University and a master’s degree in education from Stanford. She also holds both teaching and administrative services credentials.
Raised in Los Angeles, Han attended Van Nuys High School. She is multilingual in Spanish, Korean, basic Mandarin, and English. Outside of work, she enjoys going to the beach, hiking, singing, attending live theater, and riding her scooter with her dog, Biscuit.
