About Dr. Jen Halter
My Story
How can I help?
Dynamic Duo
I am an educator, leader, and advocate committed to transforming schools through purpose-driven leadership.
My journey in education began in the classroom, teaching 8th grade English and coaching cross country and track. I quickly discovered my passion for developing systems that support both student success and educator growth. Over the
I am an educator, leader, and advocate committed to transforming schools through purpose-driven leadership.
My journey in education began in the classroom, teaching 8th grade English and coaching cross country and track. I quickly discovered my passion for developing systems that support both student success and educator growth. Over the past 20 years, I’ve served as a teacher, assistant principal, and principal at both the junior high and high school level—most recently leading Clay High School from one of the lowest-performing schools in the district to an A-rated with record-breaking student growth.
I hold a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from the University of North Florida, where I completed the university’s first published autoethnography capturing my lived experience as a woman in leadership and the challenges and triumphs that shaped my path. My work has been recognized across Florida and nationally. I was named the 2021 Florida Principal of the Year and currently serve as a speaker, consultant, and leadership mentor across the state. In 2025 I was recognized as a National Finalist for the Superintendents Association (AASA) for a Women in Leadership Award.
Beyond the title of principal and consultant, I’m also a proud wife, mom of two incredible daughters, and someone who believes that leadership is not about having all the answers—it’s about creating space for others to succeed.
Dynamic Duo
How can I help?
Dynamic Duo
Dr. Kyle Dresback and I are an experienced and engaging team who have been delivering professional learning sessions together for years. With complementary leadership styles, a shared passion for student success, and decades of combined experience in school and district leadership, we bring energy, expertise, and authenticity to every pr
Dr. Kyle Dresback and I are an experienced and engaging team who have been delivering professional learning sessions together for years. With complementary leadership styles, a shared passion for student success, and decades of combined experience in school and district leadership, we bring energy, expertise, and authenticity to every presentation.
Our sessions are known for being practical, research-driven, and rooted in real-world leadership. From instructional transformation and data-driven leadership to building strong school cultures and leading through change, and our workshops inspire audiences to reflect, reimagine, and act.
Together, we offer a unique balance as I bring a lens as a turnaround principal, state-level award winner, and advocate for educators and students, and Dr. Kyle Dresback brings extensive experience in school leadership, district systems, talent development, and strategic planning.
Whether you’re looking for a powerful keynote, a full-day professional development experience, or an ongoing leadership training series, we can deliver sessions that engage, empower, and equip your team to lead with purpose and impact
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How can I help?
How can I help?
How can I help?
The question that guides my leadership—“How can I help?”—originated from an episode of the show New Amsterdam, where a leader walked into every room, every challenge, and every conversation with those four powerful words. That moment stuck with me. It wasn’t about having all the answers—it was about being present, being resourceful, and
The question that guides my leadership—“How can I help?”—originated from an episode of the show New Amsterdam, where a leader walked into every room, every challenge, and every conversation with those four powerful words. That moment stuck with me. It wasn’t about having all the answers—it was about being present, being resourceful, and being ready to serve.
That’s exactly how I lead schools, teams, and now, how I support other leaders.
With nearly two decades of experience as a teacher, assistant principal, and principal at both junior high and high school levels, I’ve helped transform underperforming schools into models of success. I’ve developed master schedules across districts, led school turnaround efforts, closed achievement gaps, and mentored aspiring leaders. My approach is grounded in both research and real-world results, and it’s always personal, practical, and purpose-driven.
Services I Offer:
Leadership Coaching for school and district leaders
Custom Professional Development sessions for teams or full faculties
School Culture & Climate Consulting to foster high expectations and engagement
Strategic Planning for school improvement, and academic acceleration
Workshops & Keynotes on topics including courageous conversations, instructional leadership, empowering women in leadership, and leading through change
Community Engagement Strategies to strengthen partnerships with families, alumni, and local organizations
Aspiring Leader Development programs for teacher-leaders and future administrators
Whether you’re seeking to raise student achievement, build stronger leadership pipelines, or foster a culture of excellence in your schools, I’m here to ask and answer “How can I help?”
Let’s work together to drive success for every student, every educator, and every school.
Those who lead with courage create change that lasts.
Professional Learning from Jen & Kyle
Ted Lasso Leadership Lessons
Inspired by: Ted Lasso Series
Ideal for: Principals, Coaches, District Leaders
Session Summary:
Harness humor and humanity to lead with empathy, vision, and strength. This session unpacks the leadership brilliance behind the beloved character to explore high-impact practices for leading schools today.
Key Takeaways:
✔ Build authentic relationships
✔ Strengthen school culture
✔ Lead with optimism and resilience
Ted Lasso 2.0: From Kindness to Competence
Ideal for: Returning participants & advanced school leaders
Session Summary:
This advanced session takes the Lasso framework to the next level—connecting emotional intelligence, systems leadership, and effective coaching to transform schools.
Key Takeaways:
✔ Develop coaching-based leadership
✔ Navigate tough transitions
✔ Align kindness with high expectations
Courageous Conversations: Leadership in Action
Ideal for: School & District Administrators
Session Summary:
Build the courage and clarity needed to lead hard conversations with grace. Leaders will learn to address conflict while building trust and accountability in teams.
Key Takeaways:
✔ Script effective and respectful dialogue
✔ Address conflict productively
✔ Restore and maintain professional trust
Leading with High Expectations
Ideal for: Instructional Leaders & Administrators
Session Summary:
Create a culture of “No Excuses, High Support” by aligning mission, mindset, and measurable outcomes to elevate student success.
Key Takeaways:
✔ Use data to guide expectations
✔ Promote equity through excellence
✔ Build consistent systems for achievement
Taking Your Leadership to the Next Level
Taking Your Leadership to the Next Level
Taking Your Leadership to the Next Level
Ideal for: Instructional Leaders & Aspiring/Current Administrators
Session Summary:
Discover how to grow beyond your current leadership habits through self-awareness, accountability, and intentional reflection. This session challenges leaders to examine how they are perceived, identify habits that may be holding them back, and create a plan for growth that directly impacts school culture and student achievement.
Key Takeaways:
✔ Identify habits that hinder leadership growth
✔ Build a personal reflection and accountability plan
✔ Align leadership actions with lasting school impact
Reflections from Attendees:
Taking Your Leadership to the Next Level
Taking Your Leadership to the Next Level
“Reflection is more effective than practice. I’m ready to level up.”
“This helped me shift from performance-driven to people-centered leadership.”
“I will lead more intentionally, so my team and students can grow alongside me.”
“I walked away knowing I need to self-reflect—not just once, but regularly.”
“Reflection is key to success. It’s not always easy, but it’s always worth it.”
"It was very engaging and got me thinking about what is holding me back."
"Phenomenal session!"
From Survey results at FASA Discover Conference 2025
Signature Keynotes
From the Principal’s Desk: Leading with Heart, Hustle, and High Expectations
In a time when education is constantly evolving, leading a school requires more than strategy, it requires heart. Drawing from her own leadership journey across junior high and high school campuses, Dr. Jen Halter delivers an authentic and inspiring message about building trust, setting high expectations, and remaining student-focused through every challenge.
Themes: Culture, Leadership Grit, Vision, Systems Thinking
The Metrics That Matter: Redefining School Success
We measure test scores, attendance, and acceleration, but what about belonging, engagement, and leadership development? This keynote challenges traditional school metrics and introduces a holistic framework that centers on student growth, staff empowerment, and community impact.
Themes: Data-Informed Leadership, Culture, Innovation
Leading Through the Fire: Lessons in Crisis and Comeback
Whether it’s leading through a pandemic, school safety incident, or staff crisis, Dr. Halter shares candid lessons from the frontlines. With resilience, humor, and actionable strategies, she equips leaders to navigate adversity and come back stronger than before.
Themes: Crisis Leadership, Communication, Resilience
Driven to Lead: Empowering Women in Education
Women are rising in leadership, but not without obstacles. This keynote empowers women to lead authentically, overcome imposter syndrome, and create space for others at the table. Dr. Halter blends her personal story with research-based strategies for sustainable leadership success.
Themes: Equity, Confidence, Career Advancement, Empowerment
Raising the Bar: Building High-Performing Schools Without Burning Out
How do we raise achievement without burning out our staff or sacrificing student well-being? This keynote addresses the balance of rigor and relevance, focusing on systems that support sustained excellence.
Themes: Instructional Leadership, School Improvement, Staff Wellness
The Leadership Legacy: Who You Are is How You Lead
Leadership is not a position, it’s a practice. In this keynote, Dr. Halter challenges leaders to define their legacy, stay grounded in their values, and become the leader their schools need today and tomorrow.
Themes: Self-Reflection, Vision, Mentorship, Succession Planning
Consulting Services
Customizable Professional Development for School and District Growth
I offer dynamic, hands-on consulting workshops designed to inspire, equip, and elevate educational leaders, instructional teams, and entire school communities. Drawing from over 20 years of frontline leadership experience as a teacher, assistant principal, and principal at both junior and high school levels, I bring real-world relevance and practical strategies to every session.
Whether you're working to improve school culture, raise student achievement, retain top educators, or build leadership capacity, my workshops are designed to meet your school or district's unique goals.
Workshop Topics Include:
Building and Sustaining a Culture of High Expectations
Learn how to implement systems and mindsets that drive academic excellence, accountability, and school-wide belief in student potential. This workshop blends leadership theory with actionable tools to shift culture and outcomes.
Data-Driven Leadership: Turning Numbers into Next Steps
Support your leadership team in making student data meaningful and actionable. Participants will learn how to disaggregate data, engage in root-cause analysis, and drive instructional planning that boosts achievement.
Courageous Conversations with School Leaders
From performance concerns to parent conflicts, this session provides scripts, strategies, and confidence to tackle hard conversations with empathy, clarity, and professionalism.
Coaching and Retaining Exceptional Educators
Rooted in your experience with principal pipelines and mentoring, this session guides school leaders in supporting teacher growth, conducting effective observations, and fostering a staff culture that promotes retention.
Community Engagement and Strategic Partnerships
Learn how to cultivate and sustain relationships with parents, alumni, local business leaders, and community partners to enhance school pride, resources, and student experiences.
Empowering Women in Educational Leadership
Designed for aspiring and current women leaders, this workshop explores confidence-building, career navigation, and balancing authenticity with assertiveness in leadership spaces.
Custom Options Available
All workshops can be tailored to your school or district’s goals, timeframe (half-day, full-day, or series), and participant roles. On-site or virtual delivery available.
Contact me today to schedule a discovery call and build a personalized professional development plan that empowers your leaders and transforms your schools.
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