JENNIFER A BLANTON
Shelby,NC
Summary
Experienced educational leader with a proven record of school improvement, talent development, and organizational leadership. Skilled in recruitment, employee development, performance management, strategic planning, and building positive workplace cultures. Developed staff capacity, led change initiatives, and implemented systems that improved employee performance and organizational outcomes.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Principal
Burns Middle School
Lawndale, NC
06.2023 - Current
- Led staff through district-wide curriculum development initiatives, facilitating the implementation of instructional frameworks and collaborative planning processes that enhanced student engagement, strengthened instructional practices, and improved learning outcomes.
- Directed budget management processes, allocating resources efficiently to meet diverse educational needs.
- Fostered a positive school culture through effective communication and community involvement strategies.
- Implemented data-driven decision-making processes to improve academic performance across all grade levels.
- Increased teacher effectiveness through comprehensive coaching, professional development opportunities, and mentorship programs.
- Reevaluated and refined schoolwide practices, strengthening student and staff expectations to improve accountability, school culture, and overall school improvement.
Principal
Jefferson Elementary School
Shelby, NC
07.2019 - 05.2023
- Communicated with parents to encourage active parental participation in education.
- Managed budgets and resources for educational programs.
- Cultivated positive relationships between community members, school students, and teachers.
- Established instructional practices driven through statistical performance data.
- Trained teachers on effective teaching techniques, classroom management strategies, and behavior modification.
- Performed classroom evaluations to assess teacher strategies and effectiveness.
- Navigated issues related to COVID-19 pandemic, including revising curriculum and providing internet access to ensure students received the support necessary to remain engaged academically while sheltering-in-place.
Assistant Principal
Jefferson Elementary School
Shelby, NC
08.2015 - 06.2019
- Built and maintained positive relationships with diverse stakeholders, such as parents, school volunteers and outside agencies.
- Assisted with compliance efforts for fire and other safety regulations.
- Trained teachers on effective teaching techniques, classroom management strategies, and behavior modification.
- Partnered with principal to administer school program in alignment with vision and goals, providing positive, high-expectation academic environment.
- Performed classroom evaluations to assess teacher strategies and effectiveness.
- Monitored student behavior and enforced discipline policies.
- Test Coordinator and Bus Administrator
4th Grade Teacher
Washington Elementary School
Shelby, NC
01.2005 - 06.2011
- Drove student learning by establishing clear classroom plans and group objectives, as well as actionable strategies to achieve each goal.
- Taught lessons encompassing skill-building activities in speaking, writing, reading and listening.
- Adapted lessons to differentiate instruction and meet students' diverse learning needs and abilities.
- Grade Level Chair, 2007-2011
- SIT Member, 2007-2010
- SIT Chair, 2007 – 2008 and 2009 – 2010
- Teacher of the Year, 2009 – 2010
Director of Education
Sylvan Learning Center
Shelby, NC
06.2004 - 12.2004
- Developed Student Plans
- Managed Teaching, Advised Parents of Student Progress and Needs
- Built rapport with young clients and families using tailored emails and newsletters.
- Organized and allocated resources required to meet needs of 50 students and 15 instructors.
- Evaluated programs and monitored implementation and compliance with regulations to achieve objectives.
6th Grade Teacher
Burns Middle School
Lawndale, NC
01.2004 - 06.2004
- Incorporated multiple types of teaching strategies into classroom.
- Graded and evaluated student assignments, papers, and course work.
- Kept students on-task with proactive behavior modification and positive reinforcement strategies.
Education
Educational Specialist (EdS) - Educational Leadership
Appalachian State University
Boone, NC12-2022
Master of Arts - School Administration
Appalachian State University
Boone, NC05-2014
Bachelor of Science - Elementary Education
Gardner-Webb University
Boiling Springs05-2004
Skills
- Employee performance evaluations
- Staff management
- Verbal and written communication
- Training and mentoring
- School community relations
- Strategic leadership
- Performance evaluations
- Relationship building and networking
Certification
- National Board Certification: Middle Childhood Generalist
- North Carolina Teaching License: Elementary Education (K-6), Academically Gifted (K-12), School Administrator (Principal & Superintendent)
Timeline
Principal
Burns Middle School
06.2023 - Current
Principal
Jefferson Elementary School
07.2019 - 05.2023
Assistant Principal
Jefferson Elementary School
08.2015 - 06.2019
4th Grade Teacher
Washington Elementary School
01.2005 - 06.2011
Director of Education
Sylvan Learning Center
06.2004 - 12.2004
6th Grade Teacher
Burns Middle School
01.2004 - 06.2004
Master of Arts - School Administration
Appalachian State University
Bachelor of Science - Elementary Education
Gardner-Webb University
Educational Specialist (EdS) - Educational Leadership
Appalachian State University