Walnut Canyon to Welcome Yalda Jamal as New Principal
MOORPARK, Calif. (April 24, 2025)— Yalda Jamal has been named the next principal of Walnut Canyon Arts and Technology Magnet School in Moorpark. She will officially begin her new role July 1, following the retirement of Theresa Garner, who has led Walnut Canyon since 2014.
The appointment was approved by a 5–0 vote of the Moorpark Unified Board of Education during its April 23 special meeting.
Jamal brings nearly two decades of experience in education, with leadership roles spanning curriculum development, student support and multilingual learning.
“This was an incredibly thoughtful and rigorous selection process, and throughout it, Ms. Jamal stood out not only for her experience and leadership, but for the clarity of her vision and the authenticity of her approach,” Superintendent Dr. Kelli Hays said. “I also want to extend my sincere thanks to Theresa Garner, whose steady leadership and dedication helped make Walnut Canyon the exceptional school community it is today. I’m confident that Ms. Jamal will continue to build on that strong foundation.”
Jamal is currently the coordinator of educational services for Las Virgenes Unified School District, where she oversees the Expanded Learning Opportunity Program (ELOP), managing a $1.6 million budget dedicated to supporting underserved students.
In addition to her districtwide role, she also serves as administrator of support and interim assistant principal at Chaparral Elementary School in Las Virgenes Unified.
“My leadership is rooted in relationships,” Jamal said. “I believe in fostering a culture of connection—among students, families, teachers and staff. That’s where meaningful learning begins.”
Before stepping into her current role, Jamal worked as an instructional coach, helping teachers strengthen classroom practices and student engagement. She also led professional development in differentiated instruction, Universal Design for Learning and best practices for English and multilingual learners.
Her passion for education is deeply personal.
A first-generation American, Jamal immigrated to the United States as a child. Her family settled in the San Fernando Valley, where her parents owned and operated a gas station.
“Education was our ticket to a better life,” she said. “My parents gave us all the support, the love, the clothing, you name it—but they made our education a focus.”
She earned a degree in broadcast journalism from New York University, where she met her husband, Dr. Naser Jamal.
The two eventually returned to California and settled in Ventura County. They have two college-age children.
Jamal transitioned into education after stepping away from journalism in search of a better work-life balance. She began her career in education as a middle school social science teacher, where she was recognized for creating welcoming, engaging classrooms and supporting students’ well-being.
Later, as an intervention specialist and 504 coordinator, Jamal partnered closely with families to ensure students received the support and services they needed to succeed.
What brought her to Moorpark Unified?
“I started to look at opportunities in Moorpark, and when I learned about Walnut Canyon, I saw how the arts and technology integrate so beautifully into the school’s curriculum and culture,” she said. “It felt like the perfect match.”
She has presented at regional and statewide conferences, including the California Induction Conference, leading sessions on coaching frameworks and educator development.
Jamal holds a master’s degree in teaching from Chapman University, an administrative credential from the Center for Educational Excellence and is pursuing a Doctorate of Education at California Lutheran University.
Fluent in Farsi and Spanish, Jamal is committed to language access and supporting diverse learners throughout the school community.
“It’s a beautiful honor to serve as a principal,” Jamal said. “I want to inspire and shine a light on others, and I know that begins with listening, learning and lifting up every member of the school community. And I’m genuinely looking forward to working alongside the teachers and staff at Walnut Canyon. Their dedication and pride in Walnut Canyon are reflected in the deep trust they’ve earned with families and the community.”
As she prepares to lead Walnut Canyon, Jamal brings a vision shaped by life experience, academic achievement and a belief that strong schools are built on trust, meaningful relationships and human connection.
“I truly believe that families are our partners in education,” she said. “Their voices matter, and I can’t wait to build those relationships at Walnut Canyon.”