Erich Schneider Selected as Head of Upper School
Source/Author: Nancy L. Spencer, Head of School
January 06, 2022
I am pleased to share with you that Erich Schneider has been selected as the Head of Upper School at Shorecrest. After an extensive national search that resulted in three strong candidates, the Search Committee agreed that Erich’s depth of experience, commitment to the Shorecrest community, and vision for the future of the Upper School, make him the ideal leader for our 9th-12th grade program. Having served as the Interim Head of Upper School since July, Erich will become the official Head of Upper School effective immediately.
Erich has been at Shorecrest since 2005 and is deeply ingrained in this school community. Over the past 17 years he has served as a teacher, advisor, Science Department Chair, class sponsor, and Assistant Head of Upper School/ Academic Dean, where his responsibilities included leading the Curriculum Council, designing professional growth pathways, and participating in faculty and staff evaluation and mentoring. He’s also served on committees ranging from scheduling to strategic visioning.
In his role of Interim Head, which he’s held since July 2021, Erich has helped the Upper School continue to navigate the challenges of COVID-19, while also integrating the new spaces in Charger Commons into Upper School life. Over the last six months Erich has welcomed a number of new faculty members and effectively collaborated with a new Dean of Student Life.
In addition to his breadth of experience at Shorecrest, Erich served 12 summers as Associate Dean of Students at Phillips Exeter Academy in New Hampshire. As part of a four-member administrative team, he was responsible for a five-week academic and boarding program for 800 students and 100 teachers and teaching interns.
Before he joined Shorecrest, Erich taught at Greenwich Academy in Connecticut and St. John’s Preparatory School in Massachusetts. He earned his bachelor’s degree from St. Lawrence University and his master’s degree from Boston College.
Shorecrest is a family affair for the Schneiders. His wife, Meghan, is the Assistant Director of College Counseling, and their children - Annie '15, Lily '19, and Dexter '23 - are all Chargers.
“I am thrilled and humbled by this decision and I am looking forward to continuing the work that we have begun this year. The Shorecrest community has meant so much to me and my family over the past 17 years. I am truly honored to serve as your Head of Upper School.”
Please join me in congratulating Erich on his new role.
