62Ray Garcia-Morales (raygarcia-morales)
Joined 5 weeks ago from Seattle, Washington
Principal Ray Garcia-Morales is a dedicated educational leader with over 25 years of experience supporting student success, equity, and academic transformation. He has held various leadership roles throughout his career, including Assistant Principal at Tyee High School, Cleveland High School, and Principal at Chief Sealth International High School. His work has always focused on creating environments where students can thrive, providing them with the support needed to excel academically and emotionally.
Ray began his career in education in 2004 as a School Social Worker at the Bronx High School for Writing and Communication Arts. In this role, he worked closely with students to support their academic and emotional needs and managed portfolios for multilingual learners. He advocated for the well-being of students with special needs. This foundational experience shaped his belief in addressing academic performance and mental health, an approach he continued developing throughout his career. After moving to Seattle, he continued his social work at Cleveland High School, focusing on student advocacy and community engagement.
In 2011, Ray transitioned into school administration, first as Principal Intern, then as Dean of Students and Assistant Principal at Tyee High School. In these roles, he worked to foster a positive school culture, focusing on creating a safe and inclusive environment for all students. Ray returned to Cleveland High School as Assistant Principal in 2015, where he continued his work to enhance student safety, improve academic performance, and strengthen community relationships. His leadership helped elevate the school’s academic standards while ensuring every student received the support needed to succeed.
In 2021, Ray became Principal at Chief Sealth International High School, leading efforts to improve student outcomes and school culture. His leadership focused on fostering a safe and inclusive learning environment, prioritizing student well-being, and ensuring academic rigor remained a core focus of the school’s mission. Ray worked to improve staff development, expand community engagement, and secure funding to support the school’s initiatives. His work at Chief Sealth enhanced academic achievement and greater student engagement, reinforcing his commitment to providing high-quality education for all.
In addition to his work in education, Ray co-founded Rebels & Scholars, a clothing brand focusing on social justice and community empowerment. The brand aimed to raise awareness for important causes, including scholarships for undocumented students, and created opportunities for community engagement through Pop Up Markets. Although Ray stepped away from the brand to focus on his leadership role as Principal, the impact of Rebels & Scholars continues to reflect his passion for social justice and community support.
Ray is committed to community service. He contributes to El Centro de la Raza, YouthCare, and the Latino Community Fund. He continues to volunteer with the Union Gospel Mission and the Washington State Department of Corrections, working to improve mental health services and support underserved communities.
As a Seattle native, Ray Garcia-Morales is inspired by the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest. This connection to his community fuels his ongoing education and social service work. His career reflects his deep commitment to ensuring that all students have the opportunity to succeed, regardless of their background, and to create lasting positive change in the community.