Susan Schaeffler

Founder & Chief Executive Officer, KIPP DC

Washington, District of Columbia, United States

Professional Overview
Susan Schaeffler is an accomplished education leader with over 25 years of experience in the field. As the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of KIPP DC, she has dedicated her career to improving educational outcomes for underserved students in the nation's capital.

Experience Summary

Current Role
As the Founder and CEO of KIPP DC, Ms. Schaeffler oversees the strategic direction and daily operations of the organization's network of high-performing public charter schools. Under her leadership, KIPP DC has grown to serve over 7,000 students across 18 campuses, consistently delivering exceptional academic results and college-preparatory outcomes. Ms. Schaeffler's unwavering commitment to educational equity and her ability to drive organizational growth have positioned KIPP DC as a national model for urban school transformation.

Career Progression
Prior to founding KIPP DC, Ms. Schaeffler gained valuable experience as a teacher and teacher trainer. She spent four years as a Sixth Grade Math Teacher with the District of Columbia Public Schools, where she developed expertise in curriculum design and student-centered instructional practices. She also served as a Teacher Trainer with the International Foundation of Education and Self Help, collaborating with educators to enhance their teaching skills and techniques.

Academic Background
Ms. Schaeffler holds a Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education from the University of Maryland, College Park. Her strong academic foundation and commitment to lifelong learning have been instrumental in her ability to drive sustainable change in the education sector.

Areas of Expertise

• K-12 education leadership and management

• Charter school development and operations

• Curriculum design and instructional innovation

• Talent management and professional development

• Community engagement and stakeholder collaboration

Professional Impact
Under Ms. Schaeffler's leadership, KIPP DC has consistently outperformed local and national academic benchmarks, with students demonstrating significant growth in core subject areas and college matriculation rates. She has been recognized as a visionary leader in the charter school movement, and her work has been featured in numerous publications and industry forums.

Conclusion
Susan Schaeffler's unwavering dedication to educational equity and her ability to drive sustainable change have positioned her as a respected leader in the education sector. As she continues to guide the growth and evolution of KIPP DC, Ms. Schaeffler remains committed to expanding access to high-quality educational opportunities for underserved communities in Washington, D.C. and beyond.