Meet Jess
Experienced Teacher, School + District Leader, and Professional Learning Developer
Jessica Harrell, M.A., M.S. is a passionate education leader with over 20 years of experience helping schools, districts, and communities create learning environments where every student thrives. She knows that no two students or schools or situations are the same—and that every challenge has a solution.
Rooted in the belief that equitable and effective education is both possible and essential, Jess is dedicated to making sure every student gets what they need to succeed. She finds energy and purpose in partnering with all who impact students' lives to drive lasting, meaningful change.
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Jess specializes in supporting school leaders, designing professional learning experiences, and helping educators implement high-quality instructional materials (HQIM) to fit their unique contexts. She’s skilled at working alongside administrators, teachers, and families to identify root issues, develop practical strategies, and build sustainable systems that promote equity and student success. Whether coaching leaders, creating processes and tools to simplify complex challenges, or thought-partnering about an individual student, Jess brings a thoughtful, solutions-focused, and asset-based approach.
As a mom to elementary-age kids, a wife, and a dedicated community builder in West Orange, New Jersey, Jess expertly balances the demands of family life with her unwavering mission to transform the status quo for all children. She understands that the stakes are high — equity in education can’t wait. She’s also her kids' biggest cheerleader — whether she’s on the sidelines cheering as her son strikes out a batter or crushes a double, or in the audience, amazed as her daughter’s feet tap faster than she ever imagined. Amid it all, she carves out time for 5 a.m. workouts and finds moments of calm walking around the reservoir or baking endless batches of cookies, recharging so she can continue pushing forward.