Her Story
About Jennifer
Jennifer Newman brings over 25 years of experience to her work as an educator, doctoral candidate, and specialized advocate for students with disabilities. In her current leadership role at Mount Pleasant Cottage School District, which she has held for two years, she designs and implements New York State standards, provides hands-on science pedagogy, and leads therapeutic residential environments while ensuring academic excellence and emotional support for students, many of whom come from foster homes. Previously a district administrator for STEM and a secondary science teacher, she has specialized in teaching biology, anatomy, physiology, forensics, special education, and earth science. She holds a master's degree in secondary education with a concentration in biology, along with certifications in special education, earth science, and statistical modeling analysis, and is a certified doula. She is completing her doctorate in May with a focus on policy and organizational changes to create safer school environments. Newman is a member of NGSS, the National Education Association, Kappa Delta Pi, and AFL-CIO, and serves as vice chair of town relations. She attributes her success to her love of learning and her desire to model strength and resilience for her children. Outside of work, she volunteers extensively in her town and school and runs marathons and half marathons.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Jennifer
01What do you attribute your success to?
I think my success like I've always been someone that loves to learn and grow, and consistently going back to school for more education, but I think now what's really my motivation and who I can say thank you to keep pushing me are my children. I want them to see me as that model that even though I'm a woman I can do this too and I'm strong and resilient and when you put your mind to something you can do it.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Invest heavily in your colleagues and cohort peers. Share your resources freely and build collaborative teams. When you elevate your skills and your confidence of educators around you you create that culture that continues to thrive.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My biggest advice is to remember that academic growth can't happen without emotional safety. Every student carries an unseen story into the classroom. When you shift your mindset from what is wrong with this student to what has this student experienced and what do they really need right now it really changes everything. Design your classroom with trauma-informed intentionality holding them to high expectations with patience because that's what they want. Anchor everything that you do in dignity and grace.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Mental health is increasing dramatically. There's a shortage of teachers and there's a huge shortage of therapists and doctors. It's really tough in the education field without having that support in the building.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Respect regardless of their background behavior life circumstances having high expectations. Integrity honesty communication consistency growth mindset oriented mind. Having faith.
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