Principal Announcement: Dr. Rafael Zavala, P.A. Walsh STEAM Academy

We are pleased to welcome Dr. Rafael Zavala as the new principal of P.A. Walsh STEAM Academy.

As we prepare for the upcoming school year, we are excited for our staff to partner with Dr. Zavala in continuing the strong tradition of innovation, collaboration, and student-centered learning that defines the P.A. Walsh community. His experience in dual immersion education, student support systems, and instructional leadership aligns closely with the values and vision of our school community.

Dr. Zavala is excited to join the vibrant P.A. Walsh community and is honored to be selected as a new Principal for the Morgan Hill Unified School District. As a child of immigrant farmworkers from the Salinas Valley, Dr. Zavala’s passion for education comes from his ardent belief that education transforms lives. Bringing 24 years of public school service as a dual immersion teacher, TOSA, vice principal, principal, and student services district administrator, Dr. Zavala has tirelessly worked to build powerful spaces and places for students to thrive socially, emotionally, and academically.

Working as a site-level and district-level administrator, Dr. Zavala established robust support systems for students, following Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports, Multi-Tiered System of Supports, and Professional Learning Communities data-driven frameworks to ensure all students had access to an equitable education. In collaboration with PBIS developers, his schools were showcased in a study on integrated mental health models and received medals from the California PBIS Coalition for PBIS implementation, while also achieving academic gains on the California Dashboard and decreases in suspension rates.

Dr. Zavala’s drive to “move the needle” is deeply grounded in his belief that all students can and will succeed when provided with high-quality Tier 1 instruction and acceleration techniques that scaffold and support content learning. He looks forward to working with the P.A. Walsh community to ensure our students are equipped for college, career, and beyond.

In his spare time, Dr. Zavala enjoys a good book, a murder mystery, or a hike in the forest. He is blessed with a daughter and a spouse who share his “foodie” interest in finding the most delicious donuts.

Please join us in warmly welcoming Dr. Zavala to the P.A. Walsh STEAM Academy family. We look forward to the leadership, partnership, and support he will bring to our students, staff, and families.