Her Story
About Jilleane
I started my career in education in 2005 as a classroom teacher, then transitioned to school counselor, and now serve as an elementary assistant principal. In my role as assistant principal, I deal with meetings, parents, discipline, IEPs, supervising teachers, providing feedback on instruction, and checking lesson plans - though my schedule doesn't always work out as planned because it depends on what's going on with the children and their needs. Alongside my work as an assistant principal, I run my own education consulting business focused on special education. A typical day in my consulting business starts with reviewing student records, answering emails, getting back to parents, and setting up meetings to coach them through preparing for IEP meetings. I also do executive functioning coaching, which is virtual, one-on-one work with students in grades 6 through 12 who have ADHD and are struggling. We do working memory drills, self-advocacy training, and I coach them about how to navigate the classroom as a child with ADHD, because sometimes schools don't teach that - they expect kids to come with that knowledge, and for a child with ADHD, it's hard. As a mother of children with disabilities, I gained my most empathetic understanding of what parents feel navigating the special education system, even as an educator myself. That personal experience gave me the drive and passion to help other parents and families through my business.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Jilleane
01What do you attribute your success to?
I would say I attribute my success to, number one, God and his hand being over my life, providing me with opportunities and preparing me for the steps to come. Then I would say my parents, for pouring into me, pushing me, and teaching me not to be afraid to go and to take chances. And I would just say my personal drive to never give up and try to figure it out. If it doesn't work this way, let's try it this way.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I've ever received is don't look back. I've worked in a few different places, states, and countries - I've worked overseas as well. One of the best things I was told is don't look back. Take what you've learned here and use it at the next place, but sometimes looking back can stop you from reaching your goals ahead. So, don't look back.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would give them the advice to always bet on yourself. Don't be afraid to bet on yourself. No one else is going to work harder for you, love you, or respect you more than you. So always go for what your heart desires, and do it for you.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
I would say the biggest challenge is learning how to overcome when people doubt you because of who you are, your age, or how you look. That's the biggest challenge - learning how to not let that stop you. Because they may not believe in you, but again, it goes back to believing in yourself. Regardless of what people think, you have a dream, goals, heart, or passion, and you should let that drive you. People will try to stop you from achieving your goals that you're set out to do. Unfortunately, that's a truth that I've learned.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
I would definitely say integrity and empathy. My thing is, people - I'm in a profession where people trust you. They are trusting you with their most precious assets, which are their children. You have to have that integrity that you're going to do right by those babies all the time. And that empathy of trying to make sure that you are able to, as much as you can, relate or support the families and the children that you serve. Because if you don't have empathy, you really can't support the families and the children that you serve.
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