K-12 Excellence Spotlight: Susan Shaffer
Recognized for making a meaningful difference across 26 states and two U.S. territories
Susan Shaffer has devoted her life’s work to advocating for children and families. Her advocacy helps schools create more equitable learning environments.
She founded the nonprofit, Mid-Atlantic Equity Consortium (MAEC). The organization works with school districts to address discrimination and inequities in schools. MAEC partners with districts based on each district’s identified needs. Its team provides training, resources, and expertise to help educators address these challenges. Today, MAEC’s work reaches 26 states and two U.S. territories.
Until her retirement, Susan served as the organization’s president. She now continues her involvement on the board of directors for MAEC’s parent organization.
Dr. Daryl Williams, an associate director at MAEC, has known Susan for more than 30 years. He considers her a colleague and mentor.
“Susan is a social justice advocate, and she has spent her entire adult career fighting for children and families,” Dr. Williams said.
Dr. Williams points to Susan’s passion, tenacity, and fearlessness in tackling difficult issues as qualities that set her apart. Susan's leadership and advocacy has helped educators recognize inequities and address barriers. This empowers them to better support their students.
Her influence can also be seen in the people she has mentored along the way.
“She has provided that mentorship for me over 30 years and for staff that have come and gone,” Dr. Williams said. “She just continues to reach back.”
Dr. Williams experienced that support firsthand. He had worked with MAEC years earlier. After he retired as an assistant superintendent, Susan reached out and brought him back to MAEC.
That willingness to reach back remains an important part of her legacy. Even in retirement, Susan continues to mentor others. She continues to advance the work she has championed throughout her career.
For Dr. Williams, her impact is both professional and personal.
“She’s like a big sister to me, a mentor, a leader, a friend,” he said.
Susan’s legacy continues through the people she has mentored. They carry her work forward by helping schools create more equitable opportunities for students.
Watch the recognition video to hear more from Dr. Williams about Susan and her work.
Know someone making a difference in your district?
The Sourcewell K-12 Excellence Spotlight celebrates the people who uplift their school communities. These individuals strengthen schools and help students succeed in ways that don’t often make headlines but always make an impact.
From classrooms to cafeterias, buses to back offices, you can nominate anyone who helps your school thrive. Nominations are open year-round.
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