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Get to know Eric Shaver, who is entering his first year as Principal of our NOVA school. With 30 years of experience in special education and school leadership, Eric brings a student-centered approach focused on building meaningful relationships, supporting staff, and helping students develop confidence in themselves as learners. 

Can you talk about your career trajectory and what led you to where you are now? 

My journey in education actually began while I was working my way through college as a Taekwondo instructor. I was often assigned students who needed additional patience and support, and I discovered how much I enjoyed working with them. That experience inspired me to pursue a career in special education. I went on to spend 30 years with Fairfax County Public Schools, working with students with emotional disabilities, and eventually becoming principal of the school at the juvenile detention center, where I served for 18 years. When I began considering retirement, I realized I still had the energy and desire to take on new challenges. Rivermont presented an opportunity to continue making a difference while learning and growing in a new environment. 

What do you love most about working in special education? 

What I love most is helping students develop confidence in themselves as learners. Many of the students we serve have faced challenges in traditional school settings, and their families may have experienced difficulties along the way. Being able to rebuild those relationships and help students recognize their abilities is incredibly rewarding. I believe patience, kindness, and understanding are among the most important qualities an educator can bring to this work. We can teach staff the technical skills they need, but genuine compassion and a willingness to connect with students are what make a lasting difference. 

What makes our NOVA school special? 

What stands out to me most is the care and compassion our staff demonstrate for students every day. I've witnessed students who enjoy being at school so much that they're sometimes reluctant to leave at the end of the day. Those moments speak to the relationships being built here and the sense of belonging that our students experience. It's clear that our staff genuinely care about the students they serve. 

How would you describe your leadership style? 

I consider myself a student-centered, instructional leader. I believe in showing compassion and providing staff with the support they need to be successful, while always keeping our primary purpose in focus, which is providing students with a quality education. I want my team to know that I'll do everything I can to help them succeed, but our decisions and actions must ultimately be guided by what's best for students. Creating an environment where staff feel supported and share that commitment is essential to building a strong school community. 

What is your vision for partnering with districts and families? 

Open and transparent communication is at the heart of any successful partnership. Families and school districts play an essential role in student success, and I believe we accomplish the most when we work together. One of the greatest strengths of a smaller school like Rivermont NOVA is our ability to be flexible and respond quickly to changing needs. I often compare it to a speedboat rather than a large ship. We are very adaptable, which is especially important when students need support right away. I want our district and family partners to know that we're committed to listening, collaborating, and finding solutions that meet each student's needs. 

What does success look like over the next year? 

I'd love to see our school continue growing and serving more students. Equally important is strengthening our staff teams and improving retention so we can provide students with consistent support from experienced educators. I also believe feedback from families is one of the most valuable measures of success. I try to look at our work through the lens of a parent, recognizing what's going well while remaining open to areas where we can improve. 

What is a fun fact about you? 

In my spare time, I'm a licensed boat captain and a certified heavy equipment operator. I've always enjoyed being on the water, which probably explains why I use so many boating analogies when talking about leadership and teamwork!