Chris Loeffler '00 Named Head of Lower School

Since July 2023, Chris has served as our Interim Lower School Head. His teaching journey at WFS began as a first-grade assistant in 2005, and he quickly evolved to a lead classroom teacher in third grade the following year. Chris moved to be a lead fifth-grade teacher in 2015 and then became our Assistant Head of Lower School in 2017.

 

Throughout his tenure at Friends, Chris has made deep connections with students of all ages. In addition to nurturing our youngest minds, Chris has coached middle and upper school student-athletes and served as a chaperone for upper school trips to the Dominican Republic and Japan.

 

Chris's passion for curriculum development is evident in his work as a committee clerk, where he led the revision of our lower school social studies curriculum to align with our core testimonies. His commitment to community is evidenced through the Lower School Good News that he launched during the spring of 2020, proving that not all superheroes wear capes; some wield microphones and green screens! His innovative approach to education is further demonstrated through his involvement in EdCamp, the teaching Master Class with John Hunter, and his leadership in our design thinking work across all three divisions. Chris's commitment to professional growth is matched only by his dedication to fostering it in others, as evidenced by his founding roles in the Guiding Principals Mastermind group and the Quaker Educators Leadership Collaborative.

 

From organizing Genius Hour in fifth grade to completing the Friends Council on Education's Institute for Engaging Leadership in Friends Education, Chris has consistently shown a creative, curious, and proactive approach to education. His ability to spark cross-divisional professional development and his deep commitment to helping children thrive make him an ideal leader for our Lower School.

 

We are fortunate to have Chris in our community, and I am grateful for his leadership in this role. He will bring stability and fresh ideas to our community, especially for our youngest learners. With Chris’s stewardship, I’m confident our Lower School will continue to thrive as a space for joyful learning. Congratulations, Chris!