Beth Happe is current vice chair of the Iowa Reading Research Center Advisory Council. She is the elementary school principal and curriculum director at Martensdale-St. Marys Community School District.

Beth has over 35 years of experience in the field of education. She has spent half of her career teaching and half in various administrative roles. Prior to her current position, she served as school improvement consultant at the Iowa Department of Education and assistant principal at Holy Trinity Catholic School in Des Moines. She received a BA in education from the University of Northern Iowa, an MA in education from Briar Cliff University, and an EdS in education administration from Drake University.

Beth aims to share her perspective as a building-level leader from a small, rural school district with the advisory council. Her interest in advocating for all children, especially those with reading difficulties, stems from her journey as a parent of a dyslexic child. 

Beth enjoys time with her adult children and grandchildren.