Chris Herzfeld
I started in education as a social studies teacher (US History, World History, Colorado History, Geography, Civics, Philosophy, Economics) as well as a girls soccer and collegiate ski racing coach in Colorado Springs, Colorado. From the outset of my career, I was dedicated to working with at-risk students who did not like school, and to finding ways to restructure schools to be more meaningful to students.
I obtained my M.A. in Administration and Educational Leadership from the University of Colorado (Denver) and soon became an Assistant Principal at Ranum High School in Denver. My wife and I moved to CA where I took a job as Assistant Principal of Curriculum and Instruction at Ocean View High School in the Huntington Beach Union High School District. I moved over to Fountain Valley High School in the HBUHSD where I served as AP of Curriculum and Instruction for 4 years and then served as Principal for 10 years. I also served as Principal of Laguna Beach High School for 3 years.
I have been here at Valencia High School since 2017 and I am constantly amazed at the quality and dedication of the staff, students and families here at Valencia. We pride ourselves on trying to serve, reach and connect with every student through high expectations in a nurturing environment. I find this to be more than words as I have worked with the wide variety of programs, staff and students here at VHS.
My educational philosophy is an idealist. I believe our job is to maximize learning for every student. That, no matter what a student's background and motivation may be, we must find ways to connect with each student and to push, pull, encourage, convince and inspire every student to reach a level of success they may not be aware was in them. Whether it's academics, arts, athletics or activities - if we offer a program - it ought to be great. Did I mention that I am an idealist?
