About Betters
My background
Cherina Betters is a school administrator for the San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools and Board Trustee for the San Bernardino Community College District (SBCCD). A lifelong learner, she has served in the field of PK-12 and higher education for over 20 years in the capacity of teacher, administrator, and professor serving the students, families and communities of San Bernardino and Riverside Counties in Southern California. Raised primarily in a single-parent home with severe economic challenges, Dr. Betters has always viewed education as the means to overcome. The first in her family to graduate from college, Dr. Betters has a deep appreciation for education and the educational process. She received her bachelor’s degree in political science from California State University, Fullerton. She also earned her master’s degree in educational technology from National University and her Doctorate in the field of Educational Leadership with an emphasis on Social Justice from California State University, San Bernardino where she also serves in the capacity of adjunct professor in both the Teacher Education & Foundations and Educational Leadership & Technology departments for the College of Education at California State University, San Bernardino. Dr. Betters has been recognized for her contributions to the educational community by several organizations including being named by Cal State San Bernardino as the Doctoral Student of the year, and as the CSUSB Transformational Change Leader. The Association of California School Administrators named Dr. Betters their 2021-2022 Valuing Diversity Administrator of the year for region 12: 2022-2023 Outstanding Faculty Lecturer in the James R. Watson & Judy Rodriguez Watson College of Education for CSUSB. The Inland Valley News honored Dr. Betters with their inaugural, 2023 Publisher’s Emeritus Award. The Cooperative Economic Empowerment Movement (CEEM) named Dr. Betters their 2022-2023 Outstanding Educator of the year for her role as an “Equity, Access, and Impact Champion” an example of excellence for her positive impact on education in the Inland Empire. Dr. Betters has also been recognized by the Honorable Senator Rosilicie Ochoa Bogh as the state of California 23rd Senate District’s 2021 Woman of the Year. In addition, Dr. Betters serves as an advisory committee member for First 5 of San Bernardino, and CSUSB’s Project Impact; and a board member for the nonprofit Santa Claus Inc. whose mission is to provide critical services to youth in the Inland Empire by empowering families through year-round and seasonal programs. Dr. Betters is committed to advocating for students and educational excellence and serves in the capacity of Director for the Association of California School Administrators (ACSA) Academy as well as serving on ACSA’s Legislative Policy Committee and ACSA Region 12’s 2024 President-elect. Dr. Betters is the proud parent of 6 children and one grandchild. Dr. Betters firmly believes that the common thread to all her endeavors is that of giving back and helping to amplify the voices to those who may otherwise not have one.
My Core Values
Dr. Cherina Betters embodies core values that are central to her approach in education and community service. She is deeply committed to ensuring that every student has access to the opportunities and resources necessary for school and lifelong success. Her dedication to educational excellence drives her to uphold the highest of standards for herself, as an educational leader and community member. Dr. Betters personal integrity and sense of accountability, guides her actions both personally and professionally. A lifelong learner, Dr. Betters values continuous growth and encourages a culture of curiosity. She believes in **community engagement** and actively works to address needs and promote positive change through collaborative efforts. Her passion for **empowerment and advocacy** fuels her commitment to amplifying voices and addressing systemic barriers, while her approach is rooted in **compassion and respect** for diverse experiences and challenges. Embracing **innovation and adaptability**, she seeks new solutions to evolving educational challenges and is driven by a sense of **service and giving back**, contributing to the greater good of her community. Finally, she values **collaboration and partnership**, working closely with educators, students, families, and community leaders to achieve shared goals and drive positive outcomes.
My Involvement
Dr. Cherina Betters is actively involved in various initiatives that reflect her commitment to community and educational advancement. As a dedicated member of the San Bernardino Community College District Board of Trustees, she works to shape policies that enhance educational opportunities and support student success. In addition, Dr. Betters contributes to several advisory committees, including those for First 5 of San Bernardino and CSUSB’s Project Impact, where she helps drive impactful projects and strategies. Her role as a board member for Santa Claus Inc. further underscores her dedication to supporting youth and families in the Inland Empire through critical services and programs. Dr. Betters also serves as the Director for the Association of California School Administrators (ACSA) Academy and is actively involved in legislative policy and advocacy through ACSA, demonstrating her leadership and dedication to educational equity and excellence.