The president and CEO of Orange County School of the Arts has earned the highest honor for administrators from the Arts Schools Network, a leading organization supporting schools nationwide.
For his commitment to excellence in arts education and training, Teren Shaffer was selected by peers across the country to receive the Jeffrey Lawrence Award.
The accolade is named in honor of the long-time head of the Professional Children’s School in New York and is considered the most coveted award presented by ASN to arts administrators.
Shaffer was formally recognized on Oct. 24 at ASN’s yearly conference at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C. Also in attendance was OCSA Assistant Principal of Arts Dr. Maria Lazarova.
Operating under a charter authorized by the Orange County Board of Education, Orange County School of the Arts provides a college-preparatory academic program along with professional arts training across 17 conservatories, including applied arts, dance, fine and media arts, music and theater.
The school currently, originally founded in 1987, serves about 2,300 students in grades seven through 12 and was recently ranked California’s No. 1 charter high school by Niche. Shaffer has served as president and CEO since 2021.
Arts Schools Network is a nonprofit association established in 1981 with a mission to inspire emerging and seasoned leaders in K-16 arts schools by providing resources, support and networking opportunities.