Michael Gallagher is Superintendent for the Sunnyvale School District and has served the public schools of Santa Clara County for more than thirty years as a high school teacher, counselor, and associate principal, as a middle school principal, and as a district-level leader.

Michael earned a Doctor of Education degree from San Francisco State University while focusing on describing and supporting effective teachers in high poverty schools.  He has played a leadership role in the District’s efforts to support the social, emotional, and cultural dimensions of teaching and learning for students, teachers, and staff.

He earned MA degrees in Counseling Education and Educational Administration and a BA degree in English, all from Santa Clara University.  He has served as Board President for Sunnyvale Community Services and as a board member for the Collaborative for Reaching and Teaching the Whole Child and for the Santa Clara County Schools Insurance Group.  He is an adjunct faculty member for San José State Educational Doctorate program and for Santa Clara University’s masters in educational administration program.