Dr. Sally Clark, Senior Lecturer Emerita, University of Arizona, passed away on March 12 from complications of Alzheimer’s disease, Covid, and pneumonia. As a successful teacher for more than 40 years she taught at Pacoima Junior High School (California), Pasadena City College, California State University, Los Angeles, Pima Community College, and for 22 years at the University of Arizona.
During her time at the University of Arizona, College of Education, she was a popular and highly regarded teacher and a most sought after advisor/mentor to both undergraduate and graduate students.
Sally was a passionate advocate of young adolescents and devoted her life to promoting developmentally responsive middle schools. Over her career she wrote more than 100 articles and four books, and served as a consultant to schools, school boards, state departments of education, and professional associations. Sally was also a regular presenter at local, regional, and national conferences, and was a member of the State of Arizona Middle Level School Task Force which developed guidelines and recommendations for middle level schools in Arizona. As a result of her body of research and middle school advocacy, her contributions were recognized by numerous professional associations including the Arizona School Administrators, Inc., and the National Association of Secondary School Principals’ who presented her with the prestigious Gruhn/Long/Melton Award for outstanding contributions and leadership in middle level education. She also received the Professional Achievement Award from the University of Arizona.
Sally, a loving and devoted friend, wife, mother, and grandmother, will be greatly missed by all who knew her. She is survived by her husband, Don of 67 years, two daughters, a son-in-law, two grandsons and their spouses, and two great grandsons. At her request, there will be no services. Those wishing to honor her memory are asked to donate to her favorite charity: Casa de los Ninos.