Jennifer Willand
Hudson,IA
Summary
Transformational educational leader with over 20 years of experience driving measurable academic growth, strengthening attendance systems, and spearheading school improvement initiatives in diverse, high-need settings. Achieved significant gains in state proficiency rates and reduced chronic absenteeism by double digits within a single year through effective turnaround leadership. Expertise spans elementary, middle, and high school levels, providing a systems-level perspective on curriculum alignment, leadership development, and sustainable improvement. Committed to fostering a collaborative environment that enhances academic achievement and continuous improvement while adeptly adapting to evolving educational needs and maintaining high standards of excellence.
Overview
24
24
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Principal
Poyner Elementary School
Waterloo, Iowa
01.2016 - Current
- Lead comprehensive school improvement efforts in a diverse elementary setting.
- Turnaround & Academic Growth
- Moved school from “Needs Improvement” (2024) to “Commendable” (2025) on the Iowa School Performance Profile.
- Increased Science proficiency from 38.78% to 64.29% in one year.
- Increased Math proficiency from 65.58% to 73.08%.
- Increased ELA proficiency from 62.34% to 69.23%.
- Implemented targeted supports for students with IEPs following state identification.
- Strengthened PLC structures to align instruction and intervention.
- Attendance & Culture
- Reduced chronic absenteeism from 22.19% to 13.04% in one year.
- Built proactive attendance systems centered on family engagement and early intervention.
- Fostered a relationship-driven culture focused on belonging and accountability.
- Organizational Leadership
- Supervise and evaluate certified and classified staff.
- Lead MTSS implementation and data cycles.
- Oversee budgeting, operations, and compliance.
- Waterloo Community School District
Assistant Principal
West High School
Waterloo, Iowa
01.2014 - 01.2016
- Oversaw the Humanities Academy, supporting academic programming and performance.
- Supervised staff and contributed to school-wide instructional improvement.
- Led professional development workshops for faculty, promoting best practices in teaching and learning strategies.
- Developed and implemented school-wide policies to enhance student engagement and academic performance.
- Supervised extracurricular programs, encouraging student participation in athletics, arts, and clubs.
Lead Teacher
Poyner Elementary School
Waterloo, Iowa
01.2013 - 01.2014
- Provided instructional coaching and teacher mentorship.
- Facilitated collaborative planning and curriculum alignment.
- Analyzed math and literacy data with teachers through PLCs.
- Collaborated with parents and staff to address student needs and enhance educational outcomes.
- Led professional development workshops to promote best practices in teaching methodologies.
- Conferred with parents about student progress to boost family involvement and enhance student support.
Assistant Principal
Fair Oaks Middle School
Fort Dodge, Iowa
01.2012 - 01.2013
- Supported grades 5–6 in a building of approximately 70 staff members.
- Led discipline systems, instructional support, and staff development.
Assistant Principal
Eisenhower High School
Houston, Texas
01.2010 - 01.2012
- Contributed to a 10% increase in Math scores on the Texas TAKS state assessment within one year.
- Oversaw the International Baccalaureate program.
- Led data analysis and instructional improvement initiatives.
- Aldine Independent School District
Testing Coordinator
Aldine ISD
Houston, Texas
08.2008 - 01.2010
- Managed campus-wide state assessment administration and compliance.
- Created a system for testing 1,200 students in grades 7 and 8.
- Coordinated district-wide testing schedules to ensure timely administration of assessments.
- Monitored compliance with state and federal testing regulations to maintain accountability standards.
- Developed training materials for staff on testing protocols and procedures.
- Analyzed test data to identify trends and inform instructional strategies for educators.
- Led professional development sessions focused on effective test implementation techniques for teachers.
Middle School English/Language Arts Teacher (Grades 6–7)
Aldine ISD
Houston, Texas
01.2002 - 01.2009
- Taught in a large, high-poverty urban district.
- Served students with IEPs, English learners, and Talented & Gifted students.
- Implemented differentiated instruction to support diverse academic needs.
- Developed and implemented engaging lesson plans that addressed individual students’ needs and interests while encouraging participation and positive social interaction.
- Achieved rapport with stakeholders in the community through student community service and fundraisers.
- Fostered a positive classroom environment that encouraged critical thinking and collaboration among students.
- Utilized assessment data to monitor student progress and adapt instructional methods accordingly for optimal learning.
Education
Master of Arts - Educational Leadership
Lamar University
Beaumont, TX12.2010
Bachelor of Arts - Bachelor of Arts-English Education
University of Northern Iowa
Cedar Falls, IA05.2002
Associate of Arts - General Studies
Iowa Central Community College
Fort Dodge, Iowa05-1999
Skills
- PK–12 Instructional Leadership
- Data Analysis & Continuous Improvement
- Chronic Absenteeism Reduction
- Staff Development & Evaluation
- Family & Community Engagement
- Staff management
- Training and mentoring
- Staff development
- Team collaboration
- Strategic leadership
- Collaborative learning
- Instructional leadership
- Performance evaluations
- Organizational management
- Safety and security procedures
Certification
- Iowa Administrative License – PK–12 Principal
- Texas Administrative Certification (if applicable)
- English/Language Arts Teaching Endorsement
Timeline
Principal
Poyner Elementary School
01.2016 - Current
Assistant Principal
West High School
01.2014 - 01.2016
Lead Teacher
Poyner Elementary School
01.2013 - 01.2014
Assistant Principal
Fair Oaks Middle School
01.2012 - 01.2013
Assistant Principal
Eisenhower High School
01.2010 - 01.2012
Testing Coordinator
Aldine ISD
08.2008 - 01.2010
Middle School English/Language Arts Teacher (Grades 6–7)
Aldine ISD
01.2002 - 01.2009
Master of Arts - Educational Leadership
Lamar University
Bachelor of Arts - Bachelor of Arts-English Education
University of Northern Iowa
Associate of Arts - General Studies
Iowa Central Community College
LEADERSHIP PHILOSOPHY
- I believe strong schools are built on clarity, consistency, and relationships. Academic success begins with aligned systems—high-quality instruction, data-informed decision-making, and targeted interventions—but it is sustained through trust and collective efficacy.
- My leadership centers on three commitments:
- 1. Every Student Grows. Instruction must be responsive, rigorous, and supported by clear data cycles to ensure continuous improvement for all learners, including students with IEPs, English learners, and advanced learners.
- 2. Relationships Drive Results. When students feel known and valued, attendance improves, engagement increases, and achievement follows. The same is true for adults; empowered educators create strong learning environments.
- 3. Systems Over Initiatives. Sustainable change occurs when schools develop consistent structures—PLCs, MTSS frameworks, attendance systems, and leadership pipelines—that endure beyond any single leader.
- My PK–12 experience allows me to view elementary education not as an isolated segment, but as the foundation of a coherent K–12 journey.