JENN SLACK
Brighton,MI
Summary
Education specialist with proven success in political organizing, labor advocacy, and education policy. Expertise in pedagogical design and relational psychology enhances the development of engaging learning experiences. Extensive collaboration with diverse populations drives positive change and community engagement. Committed to promoting equal opportunity and investing in youth development.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
SCHOOL BOARD DIRECTOR
GREAT LAKES POLITICAL ACADEMY
HOWELL, MI (REMOTE)
02.2023 - 08.2023
- Developed first school board candidate training curriculum in Michigan by synthesizing research, political strategies, candidate insights, and community feedback.
- Led Michigan School Board Recruitment Table to foster collaboration among national and state organizations for effective candidate recruitment.
- Established and managed first School Board Tracker for Michigan, detailing incumbents, candidates, and local issues across 539 public school districts.
- Conducted training sessions for school board candidates on successful campaigning and effective governance as board members.
- Facilitated workshops and presentations to recruit candidates for school board and local offices through targeted community engagement efforts.
SCHOOL BOARD ORGANIZING FIELD ASSISTANT
MICHIGAN EDUCATION ASSOCIATION
HOWELL, MI
01.2022 - 02.2023
- Recommended record 385 local and school board candidates for 2022 general election, achieving 72% win rate.
- Developed MEA School Board Tracker, compiling comprehensive candidate data for 511 districts in Michigan.
- Collaborated with 83 Michigan County Clerk offices to enhance transparency and community engagement for local elections.
- Participated in MEA School Board Recruitment Table, organizing efforts to mobilize candidates and voters for November 2022.
- Trained MEA staff and local leaders on Screening and Recommendation process, ensuring compliance with campaign finance rules.
- Facilitated workgroups and School Board Saturday trainings to empower local leaders and candidates in campaign strategies.
- Awarded MEA Public Affairs Award for exceptional contributions during 2022 general election.
LIVINGSTON COUNTY LABOR FIELD ASSISTANT
MICHIGAN EDUCATION ASSOCIATION
HOWELL, MI
08.2019 - 02.2023
- Advocated for 17 bargaining units across five school districts as part of Livingston County MEA UniServ team.
- Maintained comprehensive membership and employment records for 1,948 current and potential members through effective communication.
- Organized local leaders and members, enhancing visibility of MEA office and nearly doubling membership applications annually.
- Increased MEA membership in Livingston County from 71% to 83% through targeted member engagement strategies.
- Advised local leaders on strategies to assess needs and strengthen union structure via power mapping and local communications.
- Coordinated MEA Screening & Recommendations for candidates during key elections, engaging community in electoral processes.
TEACHER
DUNCAN LAKE MIDDLE SCHOOL
CALEDONIA, MI
08.2015 - 06.2019
- Created an 8th grade environment focused on growth mindset, collaboration, and integrity through innovative educational psychology applications.
- Refined and maintained ELA curriculum on district-wide committees to enhance student writing proficiency.
- Implemented group and one-on-one workshops, resulting in visible literacy gains on assessments.
- Published ideas and strategies in The Write Structure, contributing to educational resources.
- Secured $7K in grant funding and achieved $1.5K fundraiser goal within 24 hours for literary engagement.
- Expanded student access to over 2,000 young adult novels through self-service library system.
- Launched leadership course for 8th graders promoting teamwork, compassion, and diversity.
- Established after-school literature club, engaging 30 students through book shares and author visits.
Education
Master of Arts - Literacy Studies
Grand Valley State University
Allendale, MI01-2019
Bachelor of Science - Secondary Education
Central Michigan University
Mount Pleasant, Michigan, MI01-2012
Skills
♦ Education Politics, Policy & Procedure
♦ Labor, Advocacy & Collective Action
♦ Organizing, Engagement & Retention
♦ Database Creation & Maintenance
♦ Pedagogical Design & Implementation
♦ Learning & Behavior Methodology
Certification
State of Michigan Professional Secondary Teaching Certificate, renewed 2022
Timeline
SCHOOL BOARD DIRECTOR
GREAT LAKES POLITICAL ACADEMY
02.2023 - 08.2023
SCHOOL BOARD ORGANIZING FIELD ASSISTANT
MICHIGAN EDUCATION ASSOCIATION
01.2022 - 02.2023
LIVINGSTON COUNTY LABOR FIELD ASSISTANT
MICHIGAN EDUCATION ASSOCIATION
08.2019 - 02.2023
TEACHER
DUNCAN LAKE MIDDLE SCHOOL
08.2015 - 06.2019
Master of Arts - Literacy Studies
Grand Valley State University
Bachelor of Science - Secondary Education
Central Michigan University