In one general embodiment, an apparatus includes a sensor having an active tunnel magnetoresistive region, magnetic shields flanking the tunnel magnetoresistive region, and spacers between the active tunnel magnetoresistive region and the magnetic shields. The active tunnel magnetoresistive region includes a free layer, a tunnel barrier layer and a reference layer. At least one of the spacers includes an electrically conductive ceramic layer. The presence of the electrically conductive ceramic layer enables current-perpendicular-to-plane operation, while enhancing wear resistance and resistance to deformities of the thin films.