Seventh grade English Language Arts teacher Stefania Shaffer was inspired to write her first novel after she received a note of gratitude from a former student. The teacher read the note after a discouraging day at school, and it inspired her to reflect on all of the lessons that students take away from the classroom, many of which have nothing at all to do with academics. Stefania Shaffer began drafting her first novel, Heroes Don’t Always Wear Capes, shortly after receiving this note, which is now framed and hanging behind her desk.

Stefania Shaffer’s first novel tells the story of Vandra Zandinski, a bright student with all of the normal anxieties that confront children as they go through school. Vandra is an underdog who worries about making friends, pleasing teachers, and fitting in. The story reveals the best and worst moments of her school years—from bad teachers to excellent teachers, from bullies to best friends. Ultimately, the novel shows that while not all teachers are extraordinary, the few who are become heroes as they leave lasting impressions while teaching unforgettable life lessons.

Stefania Shaffer is currently working on her second novel, titled 9 Realities of Caring for an Elderly Parent, A Love Story Of A Different Kind, which will be available in June of 2013. The book is based on her own experiences and provides a funny, compassionate, and daunting account of what you can expect if you are the adult child coming home to care for your elderly parent until the very end.

Prior to following her passion for teaching, Stefania Shaffer was a successful advertising salesperson in the television industry. She earned her Teaching Credential at San Francisco State University.