Teacher Bios

Christ centered in all we do!
Christian Unified is a blessed place. The second you walk on campus, you can feel it. You can see God in the authentic smiles and deep joy from the students. You see Him in the genuine love and concern from the teachers and staff. You see Him throughout the curriculum and discussions around campus. God is here. My two daughters and I were welcomed into the West family with open arms and immediately felt that we were right where we were supposed to be. We were home.
I spent 30 years in public school and saw the results of a secular education. I need to be in a Christ centered environment and am excited to share Jesus with my students.
I love teaching Kindergarten. I love the growth that occurs throughout the year both spiritually and academically. I love the energy in the classroom and the joy and pride each child expresses when they learn something new!
I enjoy spending time with my husband, three daughters, and three dogs. I especially love gardening, reading, attending theatre productions, Bible-journaling, and hanging out at the beach. I love coffee, Mexican food, and the color purple.
I love the Lord and love working with children. Teaching at Christian has given me the opportunity to do both. I have the added bonus of being on the same campus as my children. The ability to work in a Christian environment has been an incredible blessing!
At Christian Unified, I am able to teach in a way that allows a better understanding of this world and a knowledge of our Heavenly Father's constant care.
I grew up in San Diego, served a short time in the Army, went to Vanguard University. I've coached a number of sports, my favorite is basketball. I have 3 daughters that play on the soccer team.
James 1:12 ... "Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to ...
I chose to work as a counselor in order to help kids discover their strengths and talents. Each student comes to school with different motivations. My job it is help students discover their interests and to support their goal formation while building a plan for the future.
I teach because it fills me so much joy to pour into the lives of children. At Christian I have the opportunity to share God’s word and speak Truth to the students. There is nothing more rewarding than to see children enjoy the subject I am teaching, and incorporate their Christian faith into what they are doing.
I choose to work for Christian Unified so I can work with students in a Christian environment and show them God’s love each day. I love working with colleagues where we can pray, and have fellowship with one another too.
I love teaching from a Biblical perspective and encouraging children to seek and grow in the Lord and in His wisdom.
I believe in the whole-person approach to teaching, but this was never completely true for me in the public school setting. Now, as a teacher at Christian Junior High, I am able to truly fulfill this philosophy of teaching as I can teach academic subject matter, social-emotional concepts, and explore the spiritual life.
Philippians 4:13—"I can do all this through him who gives me strength."

A NOTE FROM OUR SUPERINTENDENT

Dear Parents and Students of Christian High School and Junior High School,

I am very pleased to announce that Mrs. Betsy Saffer has been named the new Principal of Christian High School and Junior High. Mrs. Saffer’s service and leadership at Christian Unified Schools of San Diego has been one marked by dedication, excellence and a clear commitment to Christ-centered education.

Mrs. Saffer has deep roots at Christian, beginning her teaching career in 2004 at what is now the CUSSD South Campus, teaching grades 2-6. Over the years she has taken on various roles across our district, transitioning to Christian Junior High and High School in 2019 to teach math when her daughter, Mia, became a high school student at CHS. Since then, she has served as Department Chair, organized our 1:1 Chromebook program, and most recently, served as Academic Dean. Mrs. Saffer says, “Teaching at Christian Elementary, Junior High, and High School has allowed me to see the full spectrum of Christian education at CUSSD and what it takes to help students prepare for the next level. I am excited and trust where the Lord continues to lead.”

Mrs. Saffer is passionate about fostering an environment that emphasizes the importance of Christ in all endeavors. Her life verse, Philippians 4:6-7, encapsulates her commitment to faith in both her personal and professional life: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

Sue Lanz, former Principal and current CUSSD Academic Consultant, shares these words about Mrs. Saffer: “I’ve worked with Betsy since she came to Christian many years ago, and she has always stood out as an excellent Christian educator that loves our kids, loves the Lord, and is solution-oriented. This past year, as we’ve worked together in a leadership coaching capacity, I have seen her step up to meet challenges, lean into her gifts, and already have a significant positive impact on our school.”

As Mrs. Saffer steps into this leadership role, we are also pleased that our superb Vice Principal and Athletic Director, Mr. Jeff Briggs, will continue in his critical leadership role at Christian High School and Junior High. Mr. Briggs has been instrumental in shaping the campus culture, overseeing discipline, and guiding our athletic programs; all areas that are so vital to our to the rich heritage of our Christian school community. Mr. Briggs will partner with Mrs. Saffer, along with our dedicated staff and coaches, in fulfilling our school’s mission of “teaching students to think, learn, and live from a Biblical worldview.”

Beyond her professional responsibilities, Mrs. Saffer enjoys spending time outdoors hiking and traveling. She also has a background in martial arts, with eight years of training in Jiu Jitsu and two years in Karate. Betsy and her husband, Neil, who met as students at Christian Heritage College, have been married for 22 years. They are proud parents to their daughter, Mia, a sophomore at Biola University studying Speech Therapy.

In light of our school district’s growth and increased enrollment, we are planning Lord willing, to backfill additional administrative support in the 2025-2026 school year. This plan includes hiring a Junior High Principal to lead our thriving students and staff at that level. At that time, Mrs. Saffer will assume the position of Principal of Christian High School, allowing us to better serve the unique needs of both the High School and Junior High while ensuring leadership continuity and excellence across all levels.

Please join me in welcoming Mrs. Saffer as Principal of Christian High School and Junior High. We have confidence that God has uniquely prepared her for this calling and will guide her with wisdom and grace in the days ahead. Also, please join me in praying for Betsy, Jeff and all of our teachers and staff as we continue the eternal work of Christian education.

For Christ & Christian Unified,

Bob Ruhlman
Superintendent

LIPSYNC 2025

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