Who is Chris Canter?
About Chris
Chris is a true education warrior! The product of public school himself, Chris has spent more than two decades in the field as an English teacher, newspaper and yearbook advisor, cheerleading coach, assistant principal, and principal. He has served as a district-level Title I administrator, he has coordinating millions of dollars in Title I budgets and Schoolwide plans, ensuring that every student, especially those underprivileged, has access to a high-quality education. He currently serves the students of NSU University School as an Upper School English and Yearbook Teacher. Chris's financial acumen and unwavering commitment to excellence are driving forces in his advocacy work for every child, every family, and every school, every day. With Chris in their corner, students and educators alike can be confident that they have a champion fighting for them.
A lifelong learner, Chris has earned two Specialist in Education (Ed.S.) degrees, concentrating in Educational Leadership at Georgia State University and Educational Psychology of Gifted and Creative Education at The University of Georgia. A career-switcher, Chris began his professional journey into public education in 2005 after graduating from Concordia University, Portland, with a Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT). A lover of all things journalistic, Chris received a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree from Georgia State University, where he double-majored in Mass Communication and Public Relations. After earning his undergraduate degree, Chris initially spent five-year career as a television news reporter and anchor for various TV and radio stations. Because his broadcast role included dedicated service hours to an organization of his choice, Chris became a volunteer cheerleading coach at the local high school. After a few weeks with the athletes, Chris had found his life’s passion, and his journey as an educator took off.
With a passion for serving the community, Chris is highly active as a volunteer, advocate, and leader in Broward County. He has served as a local PTA president and treasurer, and as the Vice President of Leadership for the Broward County Council PTA/PTSA (2022 -2024). Chris is the Second Vice President for the Gran United Community PTA - District 5, the only community PTA in Broward County, specifically formed to address the lack of local PTA and PTSA units in Broward School Board’s fifth district. Additionally, Chris is active on the Florida PTA Board Directors as the chair of the organization’s Education Professional Committee. He sits on several Broward School Board committees, including the Facilities Task Force and the District Advisory Council. Finally, Chris ensures equitable voice to local issues in education as a member of the City of Hollywood’s Education Advisory Committee.
Chris coached cheerleading for his daughter's youth recreational team through Optimist International. He is a minister and member of The Pentecostals church. Chris and his wife reside in Hollywood (Florida) with their two children. Their nine-year-old daughter is a student in Broward County Public Schools, and their son will join her when he starts Kindergarten in August 2025. Chris is a member of Alpha Phi Omega National Service Fraternity and an active Rotarian, serving through his local club, The Rotary Club of Hollywood, Inc.
