In his 19th year of education, Christopher Shaffer joins us and comes full circle back to Charlotte, NC. Christopher started his education journey as a CMS teacher at University Meadows Elementary School. He was then selected to be one of the founding team leaders to launch Berewick Elementary School where he led both third grade and kindergarten. During his time at Berewick, he earned his National Board Teacher Certification. 

Christopher then found himself relocating to Rochester, New York where he worked for 13 years at Uncommon Schools. There, he served as Dean of Curriculum and Instruction where he wrote and oversaw all curriculum, led the school’s data response planning, as well as led the school in the capacity of assistant principal. As Christopher led, he earned his master's degree in educational leadership both at the building and district level from St. John Fisher University. After that, from 2014-2016, Christopher decided to expand his leadership knowledge and achieved the highest distinction at the Relay Graduate School of Education’s National Principal Academy Fellowship. 

In 2016, Christopher opened his own school in the heart of Rochester. During this time, he demonstrated a proven track record of achieving great results for students. Most recently his 3rd and 4th graders surpassed the home district by more than 50% in math and exceeded the New York State average in both 3rd and 4th grades on the New York State Test. Christopher also led his school in being the model for the integration of social and emotional learning. He and his entire team were professionally recorded to serve as a resource for other schools across the country. Christopher’s focus on the whole child has allowed many teachers and students to flourish under his leadership. In recent years Christopher was one of three of Uncommon Schools' Elementary Principals of the Year and Founder’s Award recipients. 

In his last two years at Uncommon Christopher served in the role of Senior Principal. During this time, he continued to run his own school while coaching and supporting other leaders across multiple campuses. This allowed him to expand his impact beyond his own campus and bring alignment to the region. 

This year, Christopher achieved the status of Platinum Leader (the highest level of distinction) at the Leverage Leader Institute, a program that selects 20 of the best school leaders from across the country, demonstrating excellence in the areas of staff culture, student culture, data driven instruction, observation and feedback, professional development, and curriculum and planning. 

Now Christopher finds himself back in Charlotte to be closer to his family. He, his husband Steven, and two dogs Bubbas and Mabel are so happy to be back where it all started. Christopher is so incredibly excited and humbled to lead Corvian’s elementary school, and he is excited to preserve all the things that make Corvian great. He is committed to raise the bar of excellence to achieve amazing outcomes for students and families.