Jennifer Smith
Turnersville,NJ
Summary
Innovative educational leader with a proven track record at Hope Community Charter School, enhancing student performance and securing over $250,000 in grants. Skilled in budget management and family engagement, I increased staff retention to 95% while implementing data-driven strategies for school improvement. Committed to fostering a collaborative and inclusive learning environment.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
School Leader/Principal
Hope Community Charter School
Camden, NJ
01.2024 - Current
- Enhanced student performance
- Managed school budget of $3.3M
- Improved average attendance rate by 5% for 2024-2025 school year versus last year
- Secured over $250,000 in competitive grants
- Increased the staff retention rate from 79% to 95%
- Boosted parent engagement through strategic use of social media and hosting family events
Assistant Principal
Hope Community Charter School
Camden, NJ
12.2023 - 01.2024
- Supervised 24 staff
- Managed student discipline procedures in accordance with school policies
Science Department Coordinator
Gloucester County Institute of Technology
Sewell, New Jersey
09.2014 - 12.2023
- Developed two new courses
- Transitioned the department to common assessments
- Trained and mentored four new staff
- Managed $100K budget
Education
Master of Education (Ed.M.) -
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey
New Brunswick, NJBachelor of Arts (B.A.) -
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey
New Brunswick, NJSkills
- Instructional Leadership
- Curriculum Development
- Budget Management
- Staff Supervision and Evaluation
- Data Analysis and School Improvement Planning
- Family and Community Engagement
- Student Performance Improvement
- School Operations and Compliance
- MTSS/NJTSS
- Trauma Informed and Responsive Practices
- Grant writing
Leadership and Strategic Initiatives
- Implemented an attendance incentive program to improve student attendance
- Secured and implemented BRIDGE and RISE grant funds to improve student reading and comprehension
- Carried out a needs assessment, resulting in the establishment of a Climate and Culture committee and School Improvement Panel.
Professional Development
- Responsive Classroom training: Applied Responsive Classroom strategies to strengthen school culture, improve student behavior, and support positive teacher-student relationships.
- Trauma-Sensitive Classrooms: Implemented trauma-informed practices to support students' social-emotional needs and create a safe, inclusive learning environment.
- Instructional Coaching and Data Analysis: Used data-driven coaching cycles to support teachers, improve instructional practices, and target interventions based on student performance trends.
- Equity and Restorative Practices: Supported equitable discipline and inclusive school practices by promoting restorative approaches and culturally responsive leadership.
Certification
- New Jersey Principal
- New Jersey Supervisor
- New Jersey Teacher of Comprehensive Science
- New Jersey Teacher of English
- New Jersey Teacher of Elementary Education
Timeline
School Leader/Principal
Hope Community Charter School
01.2024 - Current
Assistant Principal
Hope Community Charter School
12.2023 - 01.2024
Science Department Coordinator
Gloucester County Institute of Technology
09.2014 - 12.2023
Master of Education (Ed.M.) -
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) -
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey