Matthew Valdivia, Principal of Banning High School
About the Principal
Matthew "Matt" Valdivia is a true product of the Pass Area. Mr. Valdivia has maintained his residence over the course of his life within the City of Beaumont and is a graduate of Beaumont High School. Mr. Valdivia earned his Bachelor of Arts Degree in History with a Minor in Psychology and teaching credential at the University of California Riverside. Mr. Valdivia earned two master’s degrees from Azusa Pacific University, Educational Technology and School Administration. Mr. Valdivia holds two valid clear credentials issued by the California Commission on Teaching Credentialing a single subject teaching credential in History-Social Science with a supplementary authorization in computer concepts and applications and administrative services credential
Mr. Valdivia has grown his professional career, having completed in 2020 his 25th year, in the Banning Unified School District. Mr. Valdivia began his career teaching History-Social Science, Computer Media and Technology, English Language Development, and Physical Education to students in grades 6-8 at Nicolet Middle School. In that time at Nicolet Middle School, Mr. Valdivia became the department chairperson of History-Social Science. At Banning High School, Mr. Valdivia taught the following courses: World History, Personal Responsibility, and Nova Net Credit Recovery.
Mr. Valdivia’s initial administrative experience was as administrative designee and summer school principal at Nicolet Middle School. The first opportunity to become an administrator was realized as principal of Nicolet Middle School. During the years of his leadership, Nicolet Middle School accelerated student achievement per the California Academic Performance Index (API) by nearly 70 points in three years. At Banning High School, Mr. Valdivia has served in the roles of interim dean of students and assistant principal at Banning High School. These years were very formative in his growth as an educator as it provided a foundation of quality leadership in both secondary curriculum and data driven decision making. Currently, Mr. Valdivia is the proud principal of Banning High School, the Home of the Broncos!
The mission of Banning High School is to provide tomorrow’s leaders with quality academic instruction and rigorous standards-based curriculum enhanced by a safe and respectful environment. Educational experiences have afforded Mr. Valdivia the opportunity to collaborate with diverse groups of people to meet the common goal of increasing student achievement and well-being. His educational philosophy is based on his uncompromising belief that given a positive learning environment, strong and knowledgeable leadership, a committed and focused educational team, an encouraging community, and a supportive family, all students can be successful.
Mr. Valdivia loves serving as principal. His passion is developing positive relationships with everyone within the school community, working with students as they grow, supporting teachers and staff so that they can reach their greatest potential, strengthening a connection between school and home, and fostering a positive school culture. At the core, Mr. Valdivia knows the importance of collaboration, commitment, motivation, relationships, and safety to build Banning High School Bronco Strong!