When Dr. Christopher Brandriff reflects on his journey in education, he often comes back to one simple yet powerful theme: learning never stops. He began his career teaching junior high social studies, a role he held for 11 years. Those years in the classroom gave him a strong foundation in understanding students’ needs and the daily realities of teachers’ work.
In his 12th year, Dr. Brandriff took a leap into a new role as an instructional coach, a position that allowed him to focus more intentionally on teaching and learning. That year proved transformative. “I was given so many professional development opportunities,” he recalled, describing how the exposure to new ideas and practices broadened his perspective on what effective teaching and leadership could look like. In addition to attending workshops and listening to speakers, reading became the catalyst for his growth. He immersed himself in books on pedagogy, leadership, business, and psychology, sparking insights that reshaped his view of what leadership truly meant. “I think the leadership journey really started when I had to burn everything down,” he reflected. “I had to lead myself first. I had to study who I was, and who I wanted to be… I should have read much sooner. I should have put in the work that needs to happen to lead other people, instead of just a title, or position, or more money, which I was misguided. I had a false understanding of leadership.”
Dr. Brandriff’s commitment to self-reflection and continuous learning opened the door to administrative roles. He went on to serve three years as an assistant principal at Wright City Middle School in Wright City, Missouri before stepping into his current role as principal of Crestview Middle School in Clarkson Valley, Missouri. For him, leadership is rooted not in position but in learning. “I often ask, ‘What am I missing? Could I be wrong about this?” he said.
Building Connection and Trust
Dr. Brandriff describes his approach to leadership as results-driven, but done so through building relationships on a base of trust. When speaking about his main priorities he states, “It really came down to two things everyone can agree on: excellence and connections.” For Dr. Brandriff, those two values, academic excellence and human connection, form a compass for every decision. His work is centered on creating a school environment where both students and staff can become the best versions of themselves.
In just his first year leading Crestview Middle School, Dr. Brandriff has been described by colleagues as creating a culture where achievement and belonging work hand in hand. “Dr. Brandriff has made a powerful impact on our school community by reigniting a passion for teaching and learning at the middle school level,” Sara Meadows wrote in his nomination application, “Through his leadership, he has empowered both staff and students to reengage with purpose and excitement.”
The importance of connection is not just theoretical. Instead of implementing a standard ice breaker when Dr. Brandriff became a part of the leadership team, he chose a hands-on activity for the staff: cookie baking. “Our first staff meeting, we made cookies as a staff,” he recalled. The activity wove together teamwork, leadership practice, and a chance to serve the community. Dr. Brandriff provided the supplies, split the staff up into teams, and each team baked a different batch of cookies. After the cookies were baked, the staff distributed them throughout the community. “We bagged them up, and I told them a place in the community to go deliver them. That kind of set the tone, connecting to each other, practicing leadership skills, and then going out and connecting to our community.” The memory still stands out for him. “It’s just how much joy those people felt. I’ll never forget the looks of joy on their faces,” Dr. Brandriff said.
That renewed purpose shows up in classrooms, hallways, and even the community. From innovative programs like esports to a student fan section at athletic events, he has expanded the ways students connect to their school. At the same time, he has forged partnerships with local institutions, bringing students into real-world experiences at Four Rivers and St. Charles Community College. Meadows summed it up simply: “Whether it’s introducing innovative programs, leading a robotics team, or simply being a consistent presence in classrooms and hallways, he leads in ways that matter every day.
That focus on connection is inseparable from his emphasis on trust. “People need to be able to trust you to affect change,” Dr. Brandriff explained. For him, trust is built by consistency. “Saying and doing has to be aligned. You can’t just say something and expect everyone to do it. You’ve got to follow through. People are too smart not to notice.”
The impact of Dr. Brandriff’s prioritization of connection and trust is felt. Meadows stated: “In challenging moments he remains steady and composed, never wavering from his principles. His ability to lead with clarity, purpose, and support reflects a strength of character that inspires confidence and trust throughout the school community.”
Dr. Brandriff is motivated by both results and by helping others see their own potential. The same spark that he found through reading and reflection is now something he strives to kindle across his school community. “I know there’s more I need to read, there’s more I need to learn, there’s somebody that needs to be heard, there’s somebody that’s going to be in this seat after me. Learning will go on. School will go on. Life goes on. What keeps me motivated is earning the trust of other people, knowing that what I say and what I do is an opportunity to earn somebody’s trust.” For Dr. Brandriff, leadership is not about a position or title, it’s about continually seeking ways to learn, grow, and ignite that same spark in others.
Advice for Fellow Leaders and Missourians
Dr. Brandriff is clear about the lessons he hopes to pass on to others in education. “Not everything is urgently important,” he said. “Be intentional. Put people first. Relationships first, let them know you care before you challenge them directly. Make sure you practice what you preach, even if you have to practice it with your leadership team first. Never stop reading. Hire and trust really great people.”
When asked what Missourians can do to support public education, he pointed to the importance of understanding who is at the heart of the system. “Public education is full of people that really, really care. People who care about children, care about teaching and learning, and put a lot into the profession. Listen to them. We could do a better job of telling our story, too, whether with data, practices, or narratives, because the impact of public education is as effective, if not more effective, than other school choice options.” Just as his own journey has been rooted in reading and reflection, Dr. Brandriff sees supporting public education as an ongoing act of learning. Listening to educators, valuing their expertise, and sharing their stories.