JENNI ELLIS
Okeechobee,FL
Summary
Results-driven educational leader with experience as a principal, instructional coach, and professional development consultant. Demonstrated success in leading school improvement efforts, strengthening instructional systems, and building collaborative partnerships with educators and stakeholders. Expertise in the Science of Reading, adult learning, and data-informed decision making. Passionate about supporting educators and organizations in implementing effective, scalable practices that improve student outcomes.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
Work History
Instructional Coach
Pemayetv Emahakv Charter School, Brighton Seminole Indian Reservation
FL
07.2024 - Current
- Partner with school leadership and instructional staff to strengthen school-wide instructional systems and align teaching practices to student achievement goals.
- Lead coaching cycles with teachers, including classroom observations, modeling, and feedback, to improve instructional effectiveness and student outcomes.
- Analyze student performance data to identify trends, prioritize instructional needs, and guide data-driven decision making across grade levels.
- Design and facilitate professional development aligned to the Science of Reading, supporting teachers in implementing explicit, systematic literacy instruction.
- Collaborate with teachers to develop standards-aligned lesson plans and instructional strategies that meet the needs of diverse learners.
- Support the implementation of school-wide instructional initiatives by monitoring progress, providing feedback, and adjusting strategies as needed.
- Serve as a liaison between teachers and school leadership, facilitating communication and ensuring alignment of instructional priorities.
- Provide targeted support for differentiated instruction, classroom management, and student engagement to improve learning outcomes for all students.
- Contribute to a collaborative professional culture by building strong relationships, fostering reflective practice, and supporting continuous improvement.
National Professional Development Consultant
Catapult Learning (Per Diem)
04.2022 - 2025
- Delivered professional development sessions to educators focused on evidence-based literacy practices and instructional strategies.
- Facilitated adult learning experiences aligned to the Science of Reading, supporting teachers in strengthening instructional practices.
- Collaborated with organizational teams to implement training content and support educator growth across diverse school settings.
- Adapted content and delivery based on participant needs, ensuring engagement and practical application in classroom settings.
TEACHER
Pemayetv Emahakv Charter School, Brighton Seminole Indian Reservation
FL
08.2022 - 06.2024
- Returned to the classroom to deepen instructional expertise and model high-quality, standards-aligned teaching practices.
- Designed and delivered standards-based instruction aligned to Florida ELA B.E.S.T. benchmarks, ensuring rigorous and targeted learning experiences for all students.
- Used student performance data to drive instructional decisions, identify learning gaps, and implement targeted interventions to improve student outcomes.
- Implemented explicit, systematic literacy instruction grounded in the Science of Reading, strengthening students’ foundational reading skills.
- Differentiated instruction to meet the needs of diverse learners, including English Language Learners and students with exceptionalities.
- Developed and utilized formative and summative assessments to monitor progress and adjust instruction in real time.
- Fostered an engaging, student-centered classroom environment that promoted critical thinking, collaboration, and active learning.
- Provided ongoing, actionable feedback to students, encouraging reflection and ownership of learning.
- Collaborated with colleagues to support instructional alignment and contribute to a positive and growth-focused school culture.
PRINCIPAL
Everglades Elementary, Okeechobee County School Board
Okeechobee, FL
07.2019 - 06.2022
- Led the successful turnaround of Everglades Elementary from a state-identified low-performing school to the highest-performing school in the district, achieving a school grade of B and ranking 3rd out of 42 consortium schools.
- Developed and executed a comprehensive School Improvement Plan aligned to district priorities, using data-driven decision making to monitor progress and adjust instructional strategies.
- Built and maintained strong partnerships with district leaders, staff, families, and community stakeholders to support school improvement efforts and increase student achievement.
- Led cross-functional teams to implement and sustain a Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS), ensuring alignment of academic and behavioral interventions across grade levels.
- Designed and facilitated professional learning focused on research-based instructional practices, including explicit and systematic literacy instruction aligned to the Science of Reading.
- Supervised, coached, and evaluated instructional staff through ongoing observation and feedback cycles, resulting in improved instructional effectiveness and student outcomes.
- Managed school operations, including budgeting, staffing, scheduling, and compliance, ensuring efficient and effective day-to-day functioning.
- Established a positive school culture grounded in high expectations, collaboration, and continuous improvement for both staff and students.
- Strengthened family and community engagement through active collaboration with the School Advisory Council (SAC), PTO, and school-wide events.
ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL
Everglades Elementary, Okeechobee County School Board
Okeechobee, FL
06.2017 - 06.2019
- Partnered with the principal to lead school-wide instructional improvement efforts, aligning teaching practices with district goals and student achievement targets.
- Supervised and evaluated instructional and support staff, providing ongoing coaching, feedback, and professional development to strengthen instructional effectiveness.
- Analyzed student performance data to inform instructional decisions and support the development of targeted intervention strategies.
- Supported the implementation of school-wide systems, including MTSS, to address academic and behavioral needs across grade levels.
- Facilitated staff meetings and professional learning sessions to communicate priorities, build staff capacity, and support continuous improvement.
- Built and maintained strong relationships with students, families, and staff, effectively navigating complex situations and supporting positive outcomes.
- Conducted classroom observations and provided actionable feedback to improve instructional practices and student engagement.
- Managed key operational functions, including scheduling, student services, and school procedures, ensuring efficient day-to-day operations.
- Collaborated with leadership to uphold high academic and behavioral expectations aligned to district standards.
TEACHER
Okeechobee County School Board
Okeechobee, FL
08.2012 - 05.2017
- Kept students on-task with proactive behavior modification and positive reinforcement strategies.
- Reviewed curriculum and devised alternate approaches to presenting lessons to increase student understanding.
- Evaluated and revised lesson plans and course content to facilitate and moderate classroom discussions and student-centered learning.
- Supported student teachers by mentoring on classroom management, lesson planning and activity organization.
- Incorporated exciting and engaging activities to reinforce student participation and hands-on learning.
- Graded and evaluated student assignments, papers and course work.
- Communicated frequently with parents, students and faculty to provide feedback and discuss instructional strategies.
- Networked with other educators to promote awareness of advanced teaching practices and development of 21st Century skills.
- Assisted struggling students to maintain progress levels by designing individualized lesson plans focused on areas for improvement.
Education
Master of Science Degree - Educational Leadership
University of West Florida
Pensacola, FLBachelor of Science Degree - Psychology
Nova Southeastern University
Davie, FLSkills
- Relationship Building and Networking
- Student Achievement
- Standards of Excellence
- School Event Coordination
- Safety and Security Procedures
- Policy Development and Enforcement
- Policy and Procedure Adherence
- Standards Based Lesson Plan Development
- Literacy First: Science of Reading Specialist
- Instructional Leadership
- Group Facilitation and Presentations
- Standards Based Instruction
- Team Leadership
- Training and Development
- Staff Management & Motivation
- Instructional planning skills
- Committed to continuous improvement
- Teaching strategies
- Collaborative learning
Accomplishments
- 2022 Florida Principal of the Year Top 3 State Finalist
- 2022 Okeechobee County School District Principal of the Year
- Administrative Team Leader for Okeechobee County MTSS Implementation Team
- Okeechobee County School District New Teacher of the Year
- Seminole Elementary School Teacher of the Year
- Okeechobee County School District Golden Mouse Award Recipient
- Recognized by the Florida Department of Education as a High Impact Teacher for 3 Consecutive Years (2014-2015, 2015-2016, & 2016-2017)
Timeline
Instructional Coach
Pemayetv Emahakv Charter School, Brighton Seminole Indian Reservation
07.2024 - Current
TEACHER
Pemayetv Emahakv Charter School, Brighton Seminole Indian Reservation
08.2022 - 06.2024
National Professional Development Consultant
Catapult Learning (Per Diem)
04.2022 - 2025
PRINCIPAL
Everglades Elementary, Okeechobee County School Board
07.2019 - 06.2022
ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL
Everglades Elementary, Okeechobee County School Board
06.2017 - 06.2019
TEACHER
Okeechobee County School Board
08.2012 - 05.2017
Bachelor of Science Degree - Psychology
Nova Southeastern University
Master of Science Degree - Educational Leadership
University of West Florida