Assistant Principal - Dr. Valentina Bumbu

  • ~ Learn. Grow. Live...with purpose, urgency, and some style ~ Dr. Bumbu

    Education:

    • 2024 - Master's in Educational Leadership, St. Louis University, St. Louis MO
    • 2017 - CAEL Advanced Educational Leadership, Harvard University, Cambridge MA
    • 2013 - Doctorate of Philosophy in Chemistry, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis MO
    • 2005 - Bachelor's in Business Administration, Economics, and Chemistry, Westminster College, Fulton MO

    Certifications:

    • K-12 Building Administrator
    • Advanced Educational Leadership
    • 9-12 Chemistry and Language Arts Teacher
    • Art of Coaching

  • Welcome, Carnahan STEAM Families!

    I am thrilled and honored to serve Carnahan staff, students, families, and community as Assistant Principal. I joined the Carnahan team in 2023, following 5 years of service as the Secondary Science Curriculum Specialist for the district. My educational career began in 2013, as a Chemistry and AP Chemistry Teacher at Soldan International Studies High School, right after I graduated from the doctoral program in Chemistry at Washington University in St. Louis (WashU). Prior to that, I worked in the industry as a chemist. Needless to say, my family and friends were very, very surprised at this turn of events. Yet, since I embarked on this journey, I have never looked back. 

    I was born and grew up in Republic of Moldova (Eastern Europe) and was privileged to come to the U.S. in 2011 as an undergraduate student on a full scholarship. All my life, I have been fortunate to have the support and love of my family, friends, and colleagues here and back in Moldova. I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, students and colleagues, reading, dancing, playing volleyball, traveling, and doing martial arts. 

    MY WHY: I have always believed that education can solve most of our social issues - from poverty, crime, and war to pandemics and climate change. Such issues are complex and require multiple perspectives, aptitudes, and voices at the table in order to be tackled and solved. Hence, I decided to commit to equipping our inner-city students to become social agents of change and those critical and resourceful voices that need and deserve to be heard. I ended up doing what breaks and fills my heart and I could not be more grateful for this cosmic chance to serve children, OUR children - the future of our city and country. 

    Carnahan STEAM is a school like no other in the district and the city, and I am passionate about and committed to fulfilling its mission and vision. Thank you for choosing Carnahan and let's grow to the top together! 

    Valentina Bumbu, PhD

    Contact:

    Fellowships:

    • 2022-2023: Aspiring School Leaders
    • 2014-2019: Knowles Teacher Initiative
    • 2013-2014: Teach for America