Zac Hansel
Burlingame
Summary
Warm, relational middle school administrator dedicated to building strong school cultures, supporting teacher growth, and fostering student well-being. I bring a calm, grounded leadership presence and a commitment to creating environments where adolescents feel known, capable, and connected. Experienced in instructional leadership, faculty coaching, program development, and thoughtful innovation, including the ethical integration of emerging technologies such as AI. I partner closely with teachers, families, and support staff to cultivate a community where all students thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Vice Principal
Burlingame Intermediate School
Burlingame, CA
06.2023 - Current
- Foster a positive and inclusive school culture through daily visibility, strong relationships, and partnership with students, faculty, and families.
- Supervise and coach program leads; guide teachers through professional goal-setting, reflection cycles, and instructional development.
- Collaborate with counselors and teachers to create comprehensive student support systems that elevate well-being and belonging.
- Lead operational and safety planning, ensuring cohesive coordination across academics, student life, and campus systems.
- Manage student support processes with a restorative, growth-oriented approach that strengthens relationships and maintains dignity.
- Designed and facilitated professional learning on AI and instructional technology to enhance high-quality teaching.
- Partnered with district and community organizations to expand programming and secure grant funding.
Adjunct Professor — Educational Technology & Innovation
Foothill College, Krause Center for Innovation
Los Altos Hills, CA
06.2019 - Current
- Design and deliver coursework and workshops for educators on instructional innovation, inquiry-based learning, and emerging technologies.
- Lead hands-on sessions that strengthen digital literacy and support thoughtful technology integration in classrooms.
Instructional Support Teacher
Los Altos School District
Los Altos, CA
08.2022 - 06.2023
- Coached K–8 teachers in differentiated instruction, inclusive practices, and effective curricular implementation.
- Facilitated inquiry cycles with new teachers, supporting their instructional growth and professional confidence.
- Collaborated with educators to implement district academic initiatives aligned to student learning needs.
6th Grade Teacher
Santa Rita Elementary School
Los Altos, CA
08.2016 - 06.2022
- Designed student-centered, multimodal curriculum aligned with developmental needs and district expectations.
- Served as a teachers' association representative and contributed to schoolwide leadership and culture-building initiatives.
- Developed and delivered Google Classroom and digital learning training during online-learning transitions.
- Built strong relationships with students and families to create a supportive and emotionally safe classroom community.
Education
Master of Arts - Elementary Education
Chaminade University
Honolulu, HIEducational Technology Certificate - undefined
Foothill College
Los Altos Hills, CABachelor of Arts - Fine Arts
Lake Forest College
Lake Forest, ILSkills
- Culture Building & School Climate
- Teacher Coaching
- Student Well-Being
- Family Partnerships
- Equity & Inclusion
- Collaborative Team Leadership
- Program Development
- Thoughtful Innovation
- Calm, Grounded Leadership Presence
Accomplishments
- Strengthened middle school culture by designing programs that elevate student voice, deepen belonging, and build relationships across the school community.
- Mentored educators through structured coaching cycles, improving instructional practice and supporting new teachers in their development.
- Worked collaboratively with counselors, specialists, and families to build student-centered support systems that promote well-being, resilience, and academic confidence.
- Led professional development on instructional strategies, inclusive classroom design, and responsible integration of AI and instructional technology.
- Enhanced community engagement through consistent communication, relational leadership, and daily visibility with students and staff.
- Guided the implementation of schoolwide initiatives—including safety systems and program coordination—ensuring alignment across academics, student life, and operations.
Certification
- Equity Through an Inclusive Master Schedule, Supporting Inclusive Practices (SIP), 2025
- STEAM Instructional Leadership Certification, Krause Center for Innovation at Foothill College - 2024
- Makerspace Coordinator, Krause Center for Innovation at Foothill College - 2023
- Online and Blended Instruction, Krause Center for Innovation - 2022
Timeline
Vice Principal
Burlingame Intermediate School
06.2023 - Current
Instructional Support Teacher
Los Altos School District
08.2022 - 06.2023
Adjunct Professor — Educational Technology & Innovation
Foothill College, Krause Center for Innovation
06.2019 - Current
6th Grade Teacher
Santa Rita Elementary School
08.2016 - 06.2022
Educational Technology Certificate - undefined
Foothill College
Bachelor of Arts - Fine Arts
Lake Forest College
Master of Arts - Elementary Education
Chaminade University
PROFESSIONAL PHILOSOPHY
I believe middle school is a defining stage in a young person’s life. One where belonging, identity, and confidence have a lasting impact. I strive to create environments where students feel safe to explore, connect, and take meaningful intellectual risks. My leadership centers on equity, inclusion, and the belief that strong relationships are the foundation of vibrant learning communities. I integrate innovation thoughtfully, ensuring technology enhances, rather than replaces, the human connections that shape student growth.