Pete Zappas

Departments and Positions

Upper School: 12th Grade Dean, Football, Track and Field; Middle School: Physical Education

Credentials

Washington & Jefferson College, Bachelor of Arts
Duquesne University, Master of Arts
Duquesne University, Master of Education

Biography

After 26 years of teaching, coaching, and holding various administrative roles, I joined Menlo in 2021 as a part-time physical education teacher and varsity football coach. I am excited to join the Student Life team and continue to work in the Athletics department.

Born and raised in Pittsburgh, PA, I bleed black and gold. Following graduate school in my beloved city, I gained valuable experience as a classroom teacher and coach working for a few years in public schools. I returned to my alma mater, the Kiski School, to teach history, coach football and basketball, and serve as a dorm supervisor. From there, I became the Dean of Students, AP US History teacher, varsity football head coach, and varsity girls’ basketball head coach at the St. Mary’s School in Medford, OR.

The past 18 years, before arriving at Menlo in 2021, were spent at University School in Hunting Valley, OH, where I taught various levels of high school history, worked as a class dean, coached varsity football and freshman basketball, and lead the varsity track and field team as head coach.

I live in Palo Alto with my wife and three children. In my spare time, I particularly love to watch my son’s wrestling matches, my daughter’s softball games, and my oldest daughter’s dance performances.