Her Story
About Janell
Janell Green is an experienced educational leader, speaker, and content creator based in Southfield, Michigan. She currently serves as Principal for Elite School Management at Oak Park Service Learning Academy, where she is known for cultivating strong school culture, developing educators, and fostering environments where both students and staff can thrive. In addition to her leadership role in education, she is also a speaker and content creator who uses humor and storytelling to engage audiences, particularly around school life and personal growth.
With more than 23 years of experience in education, Janell Green has built a career rooted in instructional leadership, classroom excellence, and student development. She began her career as a kindergarten teacher, later teaching second grade before transitioning into student support and discipline roles as a Dean of Students. Over time, she advanced into school leadership, eventually opening and leading new school communities. Her academic background includes a Master of Education in Educational Leadership and Administration from Eastern Michigan University and a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education and Teaching from Wayne State University.
Throughout her career, Janell has focused on transforming school culture, strengthening instructional practices, and supporting teacher development. As a principal and senior instructional coach, she oversees daily school operations while also mentoring educators and collaborating with families to ensure student success. She is especially recognized for her ability to grow school enrollment, build positive learning environments, and inspire both students and educators through authentic, heart-centered leadership.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Janell
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to authenticity, servant leadership, perseverance, and a genuine passion for helping others. I believe effective leaders remain true to themselves rather than attempting to imitate someone else’s leadership style. By building authentic relationships with students, families, and staff, I have been able to foster positive school cultures that support both academic achievement and personal growth.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
While I did not mention a specific mentor during my journey, I have been shaped and supported by the many educators and leaders I have worked alongside throughout my career. Through years of experience in classroom teaching and school leadership, I have developed my own authentic leadership style. Today, I strive to serve as a mentor and role model for teachers and future educational leaders, just as others once did for me.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering my industry is to make whatever you do your own and follow your heart in choosing the approach that fits you best. Have mentors, learn from others, and observe different leadership styles, but always stay true to who you are. I lead with my heart and a genuine love for people, and that authenticity shapes my leadership and how I serve others. Don’t try to become someone else—learn from them, but do it your way, because authenticity is what creates meaningful and lasting impact.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in our field is attracting and retaining people who are interested in working in education, which is often impacted by funding. Teacher salaries can make it difficult to draw new professionals into the field, and the demands of the job—including long hours, work that extends beyond the school day, and ongoing responsibilities at home—can also be discouraging. In addition, adapting to a new generation of students and working with diverse family dynamics adds complexity to the role, which can further deter individuals from entering or remaining in the profession.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
I value authenticity, compassion, integrity, service, resilience, and relationship-building in both my work and personal life. I believe every student deserves to feel seen, valued, and encouraged, and my leadership philosophy is grounded in creating environments where trust, empathy, and high expectations work together to help individuals reach their fullest potential. I also deeply value lifelong learning and believe that strong relationships are the foundation of successful schools and communities.
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