Jennifer Kent
Summary
Dynamic educational leader with a proven track record at Denver Public Schools, driving significant academic improvements. Expert in implementing major strategies that elevate student achievement, while fostering collaborative professional learning communities. Skilled in data-driven decision-making and inspiring teams towards shared goals, consistently transforming school cultures for enhanced learning outcomes.
Overview
27
27
years of professional experience
Work History
Academic Director
Beacon Network, Denver Public Schools
06.2011 - Current
- Develop and lead UIP Major Improvement Strategies
- Drive the academic mission and vision of the Beacon Network
- Lead the Beacon Academic Leadership Team
- Lead all core departments, including the development of curriculum and assessments
- Create and maintain a PD calendar that ensures the data cycles and interims are well aligned and support the process
- Site Assessment Leader for two schools within the network
Dean of Instruction
Lake Middle School, Denver Public Schools
06.2009 - 06.2011
- Led school reform initiatives
- Analyzed the teaching and learning needs of the school and developed a school-wide professional development plan
- Led school-wide professional development and weekly departmental data teams
- Coached teachers to meet instructional standards and drive improved student outcomes
Assistant Principal
Skinner Middle School, Denver Public Schools
06.2005 - 06.2009
- Implemented, supervised, and monitored instructional programs
- Developed a professional development plan that supported strong professional learning communities committed to improved student academic performance
- Created mission, vision, and school improvement focus areas to inspire and guide programs, initiatives, and professional development
- Transformed the school culture and climate to promote a solid focus on academic achievement
Curriculum Trainer for Los Angeles and Baltimore Public Schools
Studio Learning
06.2003 - 08.2005
- Developed and implemented successful curriculum onboarding training program
Literacy Coach and English Teacher
East High School, Denver Public Schools
06.2002 - 06.2005
- Co-authored and received a grant from the Piton Foundation to design a detracked 9th Grade Introduction to Literature and Composition Course
- Collaborated with University of Colorado to study the reform
- Instructional coach
6th Grade English Language Arts Teacher
Gove Middle School, Denver Public Schools
06.1999 - 06.2002
Education
Masters of Arts - Administrative Leadership and Policy Studies
University of Colorado
Denver05-2005
Bachelor of Arts - English Education, Graduated Cum Laude
Colorado State University
Fort Collins05-1998
Skills
- Proven track record of leading academic programming that yields high student achievement
- Consistently led schools from yellow/orange on School Accountability Frameworks to Green
- Expertise in successfully implementing major improvement strategies in order to improve academic outcomes
- Leadership skills to build learning professional learning communities centered on joyful collaboration and transformative work
- Drive data processes to ensure that the data tells meaningful stories that lead to targeted next steps
- Lead using a distributive model that builds off the expertise of team members and increases investment towards a common goal
Timeline
Academic Director
Beacon Network, Denver Public Schools
06.2011 - Current
Dean of Instruction
Lake Middle School, Denver Public Schools
06.2009 - 06.2011
Assistant Principal
Skinner Middle School, Denver Public Schools
06.2005 - 06.2009
Curriculum Trainer for Los Angeles and Baltimore Public Schools
Studio Learning
06.2003 - 08.2005
Literacy Coach and English Teacher
East High School, Denver Public Schools
06.2002 - 06.2005
6th Grade English Language Arts Teacher
Gove Middle School, Denver Public Schools
06.1999 - 06.2002
Masters of Arts - Administrative Leadership and Policy Studies
University of Colorado
Bachelor of Arts - English Education, Graduated Cum Laude
Colorado State University