A Concord teacher with a passion for serving students who are learning English as well as those needing additional academic support has been tapped to serve as the district’s first Director of English Learners and Academic Interventions.
Jena Kennedy began her new role on July 1. In this position, Kennedy will collaborate with teachers, and building and district administrators to support the needs of students who are learning English, as well as those receiving academic interventions.
"I am excited for the opportunity to work with students, families, and teachers at Concord. Together we will create a pillar for bilingual and multilingual learners,” Kennedy said. “The path ahead is bright and I am honored to be a part of the future that embraces diversity and creates opportunities for our students. "
She will be responsible for monitoring the effectiveness of EL interventions, providing leadership for Tier II and Tier III academic interventions, and coordinating and leading professional learning for staff to support students in these areas. She will also collaborate with Special Education staff to ensure alignment and support.
Kennedy began her career with Concord Community Schools in the spring 2015 as a student teacher, and was then hired as a second-grade teacher at Concord East Side Elementary in the fall of 2015.
As a teacher, Kennedy was frequently tapped to serve in leadership roles at Concord East Side including through the Leader in Me program, Strategies Team, Kindergarten Jump Start, summer school, and in supporting the hiring and evaluating of paraprofessionals. She also coordinated and taught evening adult English classes for Concord Community Schools from 2017 through 2020. Kennedy currently serves as the 8th Grade Girls Track Coach for Concord Junior High School.
She holds a bachelor’s degree in the Science of Education - Grades K-8 from Western Governors University.
“Jena has a passion for EL learners and a love and commitment to Concord,” said Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction Kent Myers. “We are thrilled to have Jena serving in this new role to meet the needs of our diverse student population.”
Whether out on a run or walk, Kennedy and her family enjoy being together outside and active in their community.