Lessons from an Elementary Principal, with David Shaffer

When schools focus on what’s working and align around a shared vision, transformation becomes possible.

In this final installment in our National Principals Month series, Principal David Shaffer of Port Salerno Elementary shares how the AVID program has impacted his leadership and his school by providing structure, focus, and identity. 

David Shaffer and his team have used AVID not just as a program, but as a foundation for building schoolwide coherence and student agency. From “WICOR Wednesdays” to student-led collaboration, AVID structures help shift the cognitive load from teachers to students—giving learners ownership of their path and purpose.

At the heart of it all is a community-driven approach. As David explains, “It really takes that community to create the system.” His team’s grassroots efforts have improved academic outcomes and reshaped how students advocate for themselves—even long after they leave elementary school. This episode is a blueprint for schools seeking to embed AVID into their DNA while staying rooted in their local context and strengths.

Visit AVID Open Access to learn more.