Christopher Barfield
New York,NY
Summary
Dynamic and results-driven educational leader with over 20 years of experience in school administration, student culture development, athletic programming, and coaching. Proven track record of improving student outcomes through effective classroom management, staff development, and data-informed instructional strategies. Strong expertise in building positive school climates, implementing PBIS frameworks, and leading athletic departments across multiple sports. Innovative educator known for high productivity and efficient task completion. Possess specialized skills in strategic planning, educational leadership, and curriculum development. Excel in communication, problem-solving, and team building, ensuring successful school operations and positive learning environments.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
School Leader
Urban Dove Team Charter School
06.2022 - 06.2025
- Created an environment that prioritizes caring, respectful relationships among teachers, students, staff, and families
- Defined, guided,and embodied key elements of school culture for the whole community
- Articulated a clear vision for high student achievement that meets the Urban Dove’s stated organizational goals
- Ensured all staff have the skills, confidence and support they need to be successful in their roles
- Actively and strategically managed staff hiring, development, and retention to maintain overall staff quality and meet school needs
- Maintained clear and explicit organizational and behavioral expectations for all members of the school community
- Planned and facilitate school-wide PD according to school priorities and staff needs
- Gave honest, clear and helpful feedback to staff
- Demonstrated ability to understand and analyze data from multiple sources
- Made curricular choices that are aligned with school model and instructional vision
- Used assessments to determine student progress toward goals and to adjust curriculum and instruction
- Ensured that curricula, unit and lessons will lead all students to mastery of rigorous content and higher order thinking skills
- Ensured that curricula, unit and lesson are engaging and accessible to all students
- Built consistency in instruction across all learning spaces
- Ensured delivery of a high quality Sports Based Youth Development program steeped in the Neurosequential Model
- Aligned youth development and support services around academic goals
- Approached discipline and social-emotional support through a restorative lens such that a safe and inclusive environment results
- Provided mechanisms for stakeholder voice/participation in decision-making
- Built leadership capacity for staff members
- Continually sought to improve his own performance & welcomes and acts on performance feedback
- Worked closely with the Charter Management team on all high level strategic and financial decision making
- Reported out monthly to the Board of Directors
Director of Youth Development
Urban Dove Team Charter School
06.2018 - 06.2022
- Oversaw school culture systems, student discipline, and behavior intervention programs.
- Led afterschool and athletic programming aligned to youth development goals.
- Supervised the Sports Based Youth Development Coaches and gave feedback on weekly lesson plans, Community circle plans and health plans
- Supported the implementation of restorative practices and PBIS schoolwide.
- Collaborated with instructional leaders to promote academic and behavioral success.
- Oversaw the social and emotional side of the school by supervising social workers
- Oversaw the behavior specialist by supervising the Deans
- Led professional development centered around The Neurosequential Model in Sport, Non-Violent Crisis Intervention, Verbal de-escalation, Restorative Practices and sports specific skills
- Facilitated communication between students, families, and school administration to address needs effectively.
- Increased program attendance by maintaining a fun and inclusive environment.
Director of Student Culture
Invictus Preparatory Charter School
07.2015 - 06.2018
- Delivered school-wide PD on classroom management and student engagement strategies.
- Oversaw all student discipline systems, including detentions and behavior interventions.
- Led school culture events: talent shows, dances, pep rallies, and academic celebrations.
- Directed five-sport athletic program and served as Head Boys Basketball Coach.
- Utilized behavior data to refine PBIS implementation and increase instructional time.
- Managed budgets effectively to ensure optimal use of resources while maintaining financial stability.
- Developed and implemented strategic initiatives to enhance student academic performance and engagement.
Director of Instruction
New Heights Academy Charter School
07.2011 - 08.2015
- Supervised and coached 30 instructional and administrative staff.
- Designed and monitored data-driven, Common Core-aligned instruction.
- Led coaching cycles, instructional observations, and team PD.
- Managed master scheduling for both students and faculty.
- Facilitated professional development workshops to strengthen teaching practices across the organization.
- Led curriculum development initiatives to enhance instructional quality and student engagement.
- Collaborated with staff to implement data-driven assessment strategies for improved academic outcomes.
- Developed and monitored strategic plans aligning educational goals with school mission and vision.
- Mentored instructional leaders, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and accountability in classrooms.
Dean of Discipline and School Culture
New Heights Academy Charter School
07.2011 - 08.2015
- Created and led PBIS framework that reduced suspensions and improved school culture.
- Provided classroom management training and teacher coaching.
- Used data to inform best practices in monitoring behavior
- Directed student support services, ensuring comprehensive programs for diverse learning needs.
- Organized student events every quarter
- Coached boys basketball
- Report suspension data every quarter to the Board of Directors
- Oversaw student services and student retention.
- Advocated for student needs, leading to development of comprehensive support services and resources.
- Coordinated with department heads to ensure alignment of academic goals with institutional strategies.
Physical Education Teacher / Athletic Director / Head Basketball Coach
The League School
01.2000 - 08.2011
- Developed PE and Health Education curricula based on NYS standards.
- Led annual fitness events and sport-themed programs.
- Served as a Health teacher for high school students.
- Coordinated athletic league scheduling and managed finances.
- Conducted schoolwide NCI training; key member of crisis intervention team.
- Assessed student performance and provided tailored feedback to enhance individual growth.
- Led professional development workshops for faculty on best practices in physical education instruction.
- Led the crisis response team
- Trained staff on Non-Violent Crisis Intervention and Verbal De-escalation
- Organized annual field days and sports tournaments, promoting physical activity and healthy competition among students.
- Taught physical education classes covering exercise strategies, sports, and safety.
- Created a safe and inclusive classroom environment by establishing clear expectations for behavior and respect among students.
- Encouraged students to set and achieve fitness goals to develop sense of accomplishment.
- Prepared lesson plans to teach age-appropriate exercises in alignment with school curriculum.
- Organized and led sports teams teaching benefits of sportsmanship.
- Established partnerships with local sports organizations to expand student engagement opportunities.
- Advocated for inclusive practices, ensuring all students had access to physical education programs.
Education
M.S. - School Building Leadership
St. John's University
Queens, NY09-2011
M.S. - Sports Science
Long Island University
Brooklyn, NY05-2002
B.S. - Health & Physical Education
Eastern Connecticut State University
Willimantic, CT12-1999
Skills
- Neurosequential Model Certification
- PBIS & Restorative Practices Implementation
- Athletic Program Management
- Crisis Intervention & NCI Safety Protocols
- Data-Driven Instruction & RTI Strategies
- Data analysis
- Curriculum design
- Staff development/Management
- Student engagement
Certification
- NYS Physical Education License - 2008
- Seeking School Building Leadership License
- Neuroseqential Model Certification-2021
Timeline
School Leader
Urban Dove Team Charter School
06.2022 - 06.2025
Director of Youth Development
Urban Dove Team Charter School
06.2018 - 06.2022
Director of Student Culture
Invictus Preparatory Charter School
07.2015 - 06.2018
Director of Instruction
New Heights Academy Charter School
07.2011 - 08.2015
Dean of Discipline and School Culture
New Heights Academy Charter School
07.2011 - 08.2015
Physical Education Teacher / Athletic Director / Head Basketball Coach
The League School
01.2000 - 08.2011
M.S. - School Building Leadership
St. John's University
M.S. - Sports Science
Long Island University
B.S. - Health & Physical Education
Eastern Connecticut State University
Personal Information
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