Inside SFS

SFS is excited to announce Raquel Vizcaíno as our next head of Middle School starting July 1, 2023. The pool of applicants from across the country was diverse and talented and allowed for a rich hiring process.

Raquel earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education and Teaching and a Masters degree in Educational Psychology from la Universidad Complutense in Madrid. There, she began her teaching career as a physical education, Spanish language and literature, and geography teacher, working with elementary through high school age groups. With her growth mindset, she has engaged in many additional child development courses over the years.

Raquel has deep experience with middle school, her favorite group. As an educator in Bay Area independent schools since 2014, she has taught Spanish at Alta Vista and Spanish Infusion School, where she also began her administrative career as the interim upper school (5th-8th Grade) head, high school counselor, Spanish language director, and educational technology liaison and support.

Currently, the 2nd-8th Grade Principal (the equivalent of a Division Head at their school) at Escuela Bilingüe Internacional in Emeryville, she has extensive experience to lead in our Middle School priorities. A native of Madrid, Raquel says, “As a woman, immigrant, and first-generation college graduate, I feel a personal connection with the deep commitment of SFS to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging.” Her colleagues consistently shared how joyfully and enthusiastically she rolls up her sleeves and supports others; how her values and commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, justice, and belonging align with our own; and how her collaborative style and inclusive practices draw people in to co-create paths forward and build a sense of community. 

We are grateful to the search advisory committee members for their significant commitment of time and energy. We are also thankful for those of you involved with the finalists’ visits. Your feedback guided our ultimate decision and led to our wonderful hire.  

The Search Advisory Committee
Steve Morris, Head of School, Parent ’19, ’21, ’26
Juna Kim McDaid, Incoming Head of School, Parent ’28
Jen Faenza, Parent ’24, ’26
Tiffany Fong, Athletic Director, Health & Wellness Teacher, Parent ’31
Daniel Munda, Middle School Learning Specialist, Parent ’27, ’31
Carly Reiter, Director of Design, Engineering, and Technology
Eugene Stampley, Middle School Science Teacher

Posted May 19, 2023