Jennifer Connell, Ed. D.
Twenty-two years in education have taken me from a second-grade classroom to district-level leadership, and every step has deepened my belief that strong systems, strong relationships, and strong advocacy are what make schools work for every learner.
I spent 11 years teaching in inclusion classrooms alongside special education colleagues, an experience that fundamentally shaped how I think about collaboration and meeting the needs of all students. Transitioning into a literacy coaching role allowed me to extend that impact, supporting teachers in building the kind of reading instruction that changes outcomes across entire classrooms. It remains one of the most meaningful chapters of my career.
From there, I pursued school leadership, first as principal of Sewell School, where I led its transformation into an early childhood center, and later as a principal in my hometown district, stepping into that role during the pandemic. Both experiences sharpened my ability to lead through complexity, communicate clearly, and keep the community at the center of every decision.
Today, as Director of Special Services, I bring together my background in instruction, coaching, and leadership to support students, staff, and families in a comprehensive and connected way.
My perspective has also been profoundly shaped by my personal life. As the parent of a child with a rare disease and the founder of a nonprofit born from that journey, www.newviewforPAN.org, I understand firsthand what families face when navigating systems that weren't always designed with them in mind. That experience drives my commitment to being an informed, empathetic, and steady advocate for every student and every family in my care.
• Teacher of the Year
• Educator of the Year
• New View for PAN nonprofit
• DADA2 Foundation partnership
• National Institute of Health partnership
What do you attribute your success to?
For me, success comes down to maintaining a positive attitude, especially when conditions make that difficult. I have been fortunate to be surrounded by incredible people, my family above all, along with a few key mentors who have helped me stay resilient, stay focused, and continue moving forward even through adversity.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Change is the only constant.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Stay the course. Believe in yourself. Growth doesn't happen by accident. Growth is intentional, and so is success. When you combine hard work with an unshakable belief in what you are capable of, great things follow.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Public school funding remains a persistent challenge, without adequate resources, building the programs and staffing needed to support every student becomes an uphill battle. Ensuring a meaningful continuum of services requires sustained investment that does not always materialize.
Yet there is real reason for optimism. The most exciting development heading into 2026 is the people, educators with creative vision, shared purpose, and an unwavering commitment to student progress. I am fortunate to work alongside colleagues who, as I do, believe that progress over perfection is both a philosophy and a practice.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
What has guided me most is a strong sense of belief and a commitment to consistency. Education is full of trends that rise and fade, but your core values and convictions don't have to move with them. When you stay true to yourself and show up with that same commitment every single day, that is what creates real, enduring impact.
Expert Insights
Locations
Gloucester City School District
Mickleton, NJ