Administration

Greetings!

It is with great honor and excitement that I rejoin Thurston Middle School and the Laguna Beach community. Since being here, I have learned how our tradition of excellence results from our collective dedication, commitment, and efforts to supporting the whole child.

I want to take this opportunity to tell you a little about myself and my family. My family and I recently decided to move to Southern California, rejoin our friends and family, and pursue educational careers near and dear to our hearts. As a child of educators, and motivated by my positive experiences in school, I chose to pursue a career in education. I received my Bachelor’s degree in psychology, Educational Specialist teaching credentials, and a Master of Science in Special Education from California State University, Long Beach. After spending years as a behavior therapist, SDC teacher, and resource specialist, I was driven to have a larger influence and went on to pursue a second Master degree from UCLA's Principal Leadership Institute. Over the years as a school and district administrator, I enjoyed inspiring others and guiding the creation of inclusive and supportive systems for school communities.

I hope to leverage these experiences, as well as the trusting relationships I will develop with you, to support Thurston in a similar fashion. Now, more than ever, we are learning new ways to personalize learning, promote a positive culture, and provide the necessary resources for our staff and students. Please know that we welcome your ongoing feedback and understand that your voice will be vital in addressing and adapting to the evolving needs of our community.

I look forward to the outstanding years ahead of us, and I am excited to meet each of you during our time together. Together, I know we will create pathways for our students that will foster their success and continue to make us all proud.

Meghan Schooler joined the Wave Rider family as assistant principal in 2020. 

Prior to joining the Wave Rider staff, she served as assistant principal at Redondo Union High School.

Ms. Schooler entered education through Teach for America, and over the years has taught middle school English and English as a Second Language courses; she has worked in schools as a Title 1 coordinator, an instructional coach, and as an administrator.  

Ms. Schooler has a Master of Arts in American Studies, a Master of Arts in Secondary English Education and a Bachelor of Arts in International Studies Latin American Specialization with an emphasis in English and a minor in Spanish. Additionally, Ms. Schooler holds an Administrative Credential, Secondary English Credential, and a National Board Certification in English Language Arts/Early Adolescence.