Jen Benkovitz
Chapel Hill,NC
Summary
Accomplished leadership coach and consultant committed to advancing equity, antiracism, and social justice in schools through customized coaching and professional development. Adept at building innovative, collaborative, and inclusive learning environments that support deeper learning outcomes for each student. Extensive experience building leaders' capacity for creating and sustaining transformational change.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
Work History
Owner and Lead Equity Coach
The Leadership Collaborative
06.2020 - Current
- Provide customized coaching and professional development for school and district leaders, building their capacity for anti-racist leadership, and enhancing their ability to create and sustain systemic change
- Build leaders' capacity for instructional leadership through equity-centered practices that center and take leadership from those furthest from justice, ensuring improved learning outcomes for each student
- Foster strong relationships with school and district stakeholders to develop systems, structures, and policies that promote equity and align with long-term goals
- Facilitate the development of Equity-Centered Communities of Practice to improve teaching and learning through inquiry, reflection, and critical dialogue about authentic problems of practice
Director of School Leadership
New Tech Network
08.2016 - 06.2020
- Designed and facilitated national leadership summits to promote networking and build leaders' capacity for implementing and scaling deeper learning initiatives
- Provided customized coaching for leaders and teams that prepared them to disrupt systemic inequities, develop learning-centered cultures, and ensure deeper learning outcomes for each student
- Drove content creation of resources and frameworks to support continuous improvement of the organization’s leadership development strategy
- Designed and facilitated a New Leaders Academy for beginning leaders and new leaders in the network
- Created and facilitated a "Leading for Deeper Learning Institute" for districts to build and scale capacity for creating, leading, and sustaining transformational change
- Served on the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee, helping colleagues and network leaders examine their own biases about marginalized students, and identify and implement practices that build equitable student outcomes
Adjunct Assistant Professor
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
08.2017 - 05.2019
- Mentored and coached principal interns, strengthening their leadership skills and preparing them for formal leadership roles
- Developed customized growth plans with principal interns and their principals to support reflective practice and professional growth
Leadership and Instructional Coach
NC New Schools (closed 2016)
08.2015 - 07.2016
- Provided leadership coaching and professional development to strengthen instructional leadership capacity
- Facilitated instructional rounds to enhance collaboration and improve teaching and learning
- Facilitated the analysis of 360 feedback surveys to help leaders identify strengths, pinpoint areas for improvement, and create targeted development plans
Professional Learning Community Coach
Education Northwest (2 Year Grant)
08.2014 - 07.2016
- Provided virtual coaching for school leadership teams around the world, empowering them to implement a Communities of Practice model to advance equity through collaboration, reflection, and critical dialogue
- Facilitated the use of inquiry-based protocols to promote equity, foster collaboration, and support the exchange of feedback for growth
K-8 Principal
Seattle Public School System, WA
07.2012 - 08.2014
- Increased teacher effectiveness with project-based learning through comprehensive coaching and customized professional development
- Implemented Communities of Practice to drive collaboration, reflection, and continuous improvement among educators
- Spearheaded the implementation of elementary and secondary student advisory programs to build a positive and inclusive school community
- Facilitated collaboration between departments to develop interdisciplinary curricula for a more holistic educational experience
K-5 Principal
Orange County Schools, NC
08.2010 - 05.2012
- Increased teacher effectiveness through comprehensive coaching, professional development, and feedback for growth
- Developed strong relationships with stakeholders to foster trust, collaboration, and commitment to shared goals
- Worked with staff and parents to establish a school-based Equity Team to increase learning outcomes for marginalized students
- Served as the lead facilitator for the district's Equity Team to drive professional development, gather and analyze data, and inform district policies and practices
K-5 Principal
Wake County Public School System, NC
02.2006 - 08.2010
- Increased teacher effectiveness through comprehensive coaching, professional development opportunities, and mentorship programs
- Developed Instructional Leadership Team to gather and analyze multiple forms of data, audit and update school policies and practices, and develop a comprehensive plan to drive school transformation
- Recruited, hired, and supported a diverse, innovative staff to advance the school’s mission and vision
- Managed budgets and resources efficiently to ensure optimal allocation of funds for school programs and initiatives
- Cultivated partnerships with community organizations to provide additional resources and support for students in need
Assistant Principal
Wake County Public School System, NC
06.2003 - 02.2006
- Developed and oversaw student leadership programs, providing students with authentic opportunities to develop leadership skills and improve school culture
- Developed partnerships with local agencies to engage staff and parents in reflective dialogue about racial equity, and to increase opportunities for marginalized students to access and experience cultural arts events in their communities
- Enhanced teacher effectiveness through regular classroom observations and feedback sessions
Education
Doctor of Educational Leadership -
University of North Carolina At Chapel Hill
01-2008
Master of School Administration -
University of North Carolina At Chapel Hill
01-2003
Bachelor of Science, K-6 Education -
Ohio University
Athens, OH01-1996
Skills
- School leadership coaching and consultation
- Antiracist leadership development
- Educational equity
- Instructional leadership
- Adaptive leadership
- Systemic change
- Professional development design and facilitation
- Team development
- Inquiry-based Communities of Practice
- School transformation
- Instructional rounds
- Data collection and analysis
- Stakeholder engagement
- Deeper learning
- Culturally responsive teaching
- Restorative practices
Credentials
Executive Leadership Coaching Certification, High Point University
K-12 Superintendent License, State of North Carolina
K-12 Principal License, State of North Carolina
K-12 Principal Certificate, State of Washington
K-8 Teaching Certificate, State of North Carolina
Timeline
Owner and Lead Equity Coach
The Leadership Collaborative
06.2020 - Current
Adjunct Assistant Professor
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
08.2017 - 05.2019
Director of School Leadership
New Tech Network
08.2016 - 06.2020
Leadership and Instructional Coach
NC New Schools (closed 2016)
08.2015 - 07.2016
Professional Learning Community Coach
Education Northwest (2 Year Grant)
08.2014 - 07.2016
K-8 Principal
Seattle Public School System, WA
07.2012 - 08.2014
K-5 Principal
Orange County Schools, NC
08.2010 - 05.2012
K-5 Principal
Wake County Public School System, NC
02.2006 - 08.2010
Assistant Principal
Wake County Public School System, NC
06.2003 - 02.2006
Doctor of Educational Leadership -
University of North Carolina At Chapel Hill
Master of School Administration -
University of North Carolina At Chapel Hill
Bachelor of Science, K-6 Education -
Ohio University
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