Her Story
About Jessica
Jessica Kenyon is an elementary school principal. She has worked in VT and NH schools since 2013 and is currently in her second year at Walden School as the Principal. She earned her bachelor's degree in education after becoming a mother and later obtained a master's degree in education with a concentration in social-emotional learning. Jessica completed a curriculum leadership academy, an educational leadership academy, and is participating in an aspiring superintendent's academy. Her certifications include being a CPI instructor for the Crisis Prevention Institute, as well as CPR First Aid, Mental Health First Aid, and a micro-credential in Andragogy. She is a member of the Vermont Principals Association and received Phi Kappa Phi honors at Plymouth State, where she gave an academic excellence speech the following year. In 2024, she received the “My Jersey, Your Impact Award” consisting of a personal presentation of a former student’s jersey and a plaque. Jessica attributes her success to continuously learning and having a natural passion for helping others grow. She values creating a sense of belonging for all, teamwork, collaboration, effectiveness, efficiency, strong instructional practice, and a deep understanding of child development and needs, while emphasizing family and mutual care.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Jessica
01What do you attribute your success to?
My success has come from continuously learning and having a passion for helping others grow and learn alongside me. I value feedback from my supervisors, colleagues, students, and friends and use that feedback to refine and enhance my practice, along with the knowledge I acquire from learning experiences or experts in my field.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
I had a mentor who once said, our work is a marathon, not a sprint. You have to go slow to go fast. I live by that advice as much as possible. Taking on too much all at once, can lead to unproductive outcomes. Creating a vision and a pathway to that vision (mission). Then, aligning my time and efforts have kept me efficient and effective in achieving the outcomes students and staff deserve.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Learning is a lifelong journey. Take one day at a time and enjoy the bumpy, beautiful ride.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
I view challenges and opportunities as the same. I think that whatever challenges we face are actually the things that help us propel forward and think outside of the box. Those challenges are what lead us to new opportunities.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Making sure that everyone has a sense of belonging, and feels valued. Additionally, teamwork, collaboration, effectiveness and efficiency are extremely important to me. I value strong instructional practice and a deep understanding of children and young adults. Personal values are family and care.
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