Timothy “Chip” Dale, Ed.D., San Juan Unified School District’s new deputy superintendent of schools and student support, spent his first years in the education field as a teacher. “Classrooms constantly remind me of the amazing work that is happening every day in all of our schools and how to best build on these strengths,” Dale said. Photo courtesy of San Juan Unified District

SACRAMENTO AREA, CA (MPG) - Over the summer, San Juan Unified School District welcomed new Deputy Superintendent of Schools and Student Support Timothy “Chip” Dale, Ed.D.

Dale brings more than two decades of experience as a teacher, principal and district-level leader, with a people-first approach and a deep belief in the potential of public education to transform lives.

“My journey in education began as a teacher,” Dale said. “I was very much drawn to the idea of working with children who had been historically underserved and in one of the urban centers in our nation.”

That drive came from formative experiences working with youth in Chicago, including at a juvenile detention center and in the Dearborn housing projects.

“These children were brilliant, smart, funny, full of energy and life was hard,” Dale said. “They were overcoming so much and they were doing amazing things, despite the challenges society had thrown their way.”

Those early moments cemented Dale’s belief in education as a pathway to equity and change.

That purpose has stayed with him through roles in San Diego, Denver and most recently, Chattanooga, Tennessee. As he stepped into leadership, Dale found himself increasingly compelled to address educational challenges at a broader level.

“I left the classroom to go into administration with the thought that I could have a wider impact than just serving the children in my classroom,” he said. 

San Juan Unified School District’s new Deputy Superintendent of Schools and Student Support Timothy “Chip” Dale, Ed.D. said that he is excited to return to California. He previously spent 13 years of his educational career in California. Photo courtesy of San Juan Unified District

While his career has taken him across the country, Dale said, coming to San Juan Unified “felt like coming home.”

“What drove me to San Juan Unified really was not only the mission and vision but the people, united together to ensure every child thrives,” Dale said. 

Dale is also excited to return to California, where he previously spent 13 years in education.

“I love the fabric of California… You can speak any language, and we’re going to value you and empower you,” he said. 

Dale describes his leadership style as rooted in service and collaboration, shaped by a belief in the importance of learning from those around him.

“If I can serve you, then I can build a relationship with you. If I can build a relationship with you, then I can collaborate with you. And if I can collaborate with you, it’s not me; it’s we. And we can do great things,” Dale said.

Dale approaches new roles with humility, listening first and asking thoughtful questions to identify strengths and build collective momentum.

As deputy superintendent, Dale supports both school sites and district departments, working to align instructional systems and elevate school leadership. He brings a passion for the entire ecosystem of education and leadership development.

“You’re painting with different brushes,” Dale said. “How do I take my experiences as a teacher, principal and district leader and use those to help?”

Relationship building is at the heart of what Dale said families and staff can expect in his first year.

“People should expect to see me out at schools. Classrooms constantly remind me of the amazing work that is happening every day in all of our schools and how to best build on these strengths.”

When he is not working alongside educators and students, Dale is focused on being a dad, exploring nature with his dog and perfecting his favorite comfort foods. Dale and his wife are raising their 14-year-old daughter, a runner who regularly challenges him to keep up.

A lover of both mountains and the coast, Dale finds peace in beautiful spaces and enjoys culinary adventures with his wife, including cooking at home and hunting for the perfect slice of pizza or, in California, a carnitas burrito.

“That’s my Achilles: really good pizza. But here, it’s carnitas. A good carnitas burrito, I’ll take that over just about anything,” Dale said.