Jefferson County Schools is pleased to announce the appointment of Nicole Shaffer as principal of Page Jackson Elementary School. Currently employed with Jefferson County Board of Education, Shaffer serves as an instructional data analyst and coordinator for secondary mathematics at the district’s central office.

“Nicole has spent much of her career in Jefferson County, which gives her a unique ability to understand the community and its student needs,” said Dr. Bondy Shay Gibson, superintendent of Jefferson County Schools.

Shaffer’s current role as an instructional data analyst and coordinator presents her with the undertaking of writing the county’s three-year technology and curriculum integration plan. Assuming a leadership position, she has trained all teachers in Jefferson County about the importance of aligning goals with data-driven student education. Prior to this role, Shaffer was the first principal to lead Blue Ridge Primary in Harpers Ferry where she supervised a staff of 35 employees and 169 students in pre-k, kindergarten and first grade.

“I see this role as an opportunity to build upon my energy and enthusiasm for education,” said Shaffer. “I’m very much looking forward to blending my background as a curriculum coordinator, principal and teacher to help create real-world programs that prepare Page Jackson students for the 21st century workplace,” she continued.

Shaffer earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in education from East Carolina University in 1991. Starting her career in Prince William County, Virginia, Shaffer was a second grade teacher, where she transitioned to Manassas Park, Virginia as a third grade teacher and team leader. In 2010, Shaffer received her Master of Arts degree in educational leadership and supervision from George Mason University.

Shaffer will assume her duties as principal on Feb. 6, 2017.