(Photo by Steven Moore and provided courtesy of SBCUSD)
SAN BERNARDINO, CA—The San Bernardino City Unified School District (SBCUSD) proudly celebrates Ashley Bettas-Alcalá, the president of the San Bernardino Teachers Association (SBTA), who has been recognized as a Woman of Distinction by California State Senator Eloise Gómez Reyes.
This honor, presented at a special luncheon on March 7, acknowledges Bettas-Alcalá’s unwavering dedication to educators, students and the community throughout her 18-year career with SBCUSD.
“I am incredibly honored. This recognition is not just a reflection of my work, but of the collective dedication of the educators, students and families in our community,” Bettas-Alcalá said. “Education is a calling, and I am proud to work alongside so many passionate teachers who work tirelessly to uplift and inspire the next generation. Together, we will continue to advocate for equity, opportunity and excellence in our schools.”
She has served as President of the San Bernardino Teachers Association, the union that represents about 3,000 District teachers, for more than a decade, guiding the District’s educators through some of the most challenging times in recent history. Her leadership was instrumental during the North Park Elementary School shooting, a Districtwide cyber attack and the COVID-19 pandemic, ensuring that teachers and students had the support they needed in challenging times.
“This well-deserved recognition highlights the importance of strong educators as she has helped drive lasting and meaningful change in our District,” Superintendent Mauricio Arellano said. “She exemplifies the highest levels of leadership and collaboration and we are so grateful for her partnership and proud to see her recognized as a Woman of Distinction.”
A National Board Certified Teacher, Bettas-Alcalá’s commitment to education goes beyond advocacy. She began her career in 2001 with Tacoma Public Schools before joining SBCUSD in 2006 as a teacher at Riley College Prep Academy, then known as Riley Elementary School. With a bachelor’s degree in education from Washington State University and a Master’s degree from the University of California, Riverside, she has dedicated her life to the empowerment of fellow educators.
Her passion for education is deeply rooted in her upbringing. Raised in Pullman, Washington, she comes from a family of lifelong educators—her mother was an elementary school teacher for more than 30 years, her father worked in administration at Washington State University, and her sister works with the early childhood education program at the University of Idaho. Bettas-Alcalá is a devout follower of all things Washington State University.
“Her recognition as a Woman of Distinction is a testament to her leadership and dedication to the educators and students of San Bernardino and Highland,” said SBTA Vice President Barbara Pastuchek-Cox, who nominated her for this recognition. “Her advocacy, both in and out of the classroom, has left a lasting impact on SBCUSD and the broader educational community.”
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Bettas-Alcalá is a devoted wife and mother. She and her husband, Jose Alcalá, who teaches in the Moreno Valley Unified School District, are proud parents to their 9-year-old daughter, Kennedy.
