Jessica Quinter, Ed.D.
Principal, Park Forest Elementary School
State College, Pennsylvania
Candidate Statement
Leading with Authenticity, Intentionality and Purpose
Every educator has a story about how their experiences led them to this profession. Mine started in my childhood in a small, rural town in southwestern Pennsylvania. My parents valued education and instilled core characteristics of caring for others, serving our community, and working hard. Coming from a small town provided me with strong roots while encouraging me to grow wings—a metaphor I’ve often reflected on in my 25 years in education.
I believe NAESP is at a critical time where we can consider our roots and our wings. NAESP is rooted in over 100 years of service to education, providing meaningful professional development, legal support, and programs to recognize principals and students. It is also time for our organization to stretch our wings. Changes in NAESP leadership and the education landscape require thoughtful decisions to sustain and grow our organization.
As Vice President, my focus will be leading change while staying true to our past. I will use my voice to lead with authenticity, intentionality, and purpose.
Leading with Authenticity
I believe that all productive progress is made through authentic, trusting relationships. Through my involvement in PA Principals and NAESP, I have built relationships with principals across our country. As Vice President, I will continue building this network by learning about our members’ celebrations and struggles. Even though our experiences may differ, many challenges are the same, as are the characteristics of effective leadership. I want to truly listen to our members, hear their stories and questions, and respond thoughtfully by using this context in my leadership. The NAESP Board must be responsive to members, providing professional development, networking opportunities, and advocacy that benefits all schools. While NAESP has a strong foundation, we must be flexible and adapt to the ever-changing demands of school leadership. I am committed to building relationships based on authenticity, elevating member voice in our organization.
Leading with Intentionality
My experiences at both state and national levels have demonstrated the power of a group of motivated educators, proving we are better together! I have been part of discussions about engaging all members while providing opportunities for leaders to connect based on similar interests, demographics, or grade levels in school buildings. This includes the addition of at-large board director positions and networking opportunities through Communities of Practice and Centers for Advancing Leadership. It is critical that members feel connected to NAESP, and providing varied engagement opportunities is vital. Making intentional decisions about growing, adapting, or expanding these programs in alignment with our strategic plan will be a goal of my term.
Leading with Purpose
A colleague once shared that our purpose is to advocate for our own students and for students across our state and country, each of whom deserves a leader who cares for them and their staff. One of NAESP’s key priorities is advocating for programs that allow students to learn and grow, which includes caring for the adults who serve students daily. I have heard from principals and teachers that our most significant challenges include resources for mental well-being, growing the educator pipeline, and increasing financial support for equitable opportunities regardless of their zip codes. A clear platform with a shared vision is critical to encourage and enact change. Our students deserve leaders who raise their voices to promote the importance of education, and advocacy remains integral to NAESP’s work. I will serve as a vocal advocate, representing our association and principals across our nation. I would sincerely appreciate your consideration as you vote for Vice President of NAESP. It would be my honor and privilege to serve the principals of our nation. I value you, your voice, your passion for education, and the incredible work you do each day to make a difference in the lives of those you lead and our students.
Additional Info:
Professional Preparation:
- Ed.D, Educational Leadership and Management, Drexel University, 2018
- M.Ed., School Principal Specialization, St. Francis University, 2005
- B.S., Elementary Education, Juniata College, 2000
Professional Experience:
- Principal, Park Forest Elementary School, State College, PA, 2021-present
- Principal, Juniata Valley Elementary School, Alexandria, PA 2009-2021
- Federal Programs Coordinator, Juniata Valley School District, Alexandria, PA, 2007-2021
- Classroom Teacher, Juniata Valley Elementary School, Alexandria, PA , 2001-2009
- Classroom Teacher, Hyndman-Londonderry Elementary School, Hyndman, PA 2000-2001
Professional Affiliations:
- NAESP Zone 2 Director, 2023-present
- PA Principals Treasurer and Executive Committee Member, 2020-2023
- PA Principals Regional Representative on Board of Directors, 2017-2020
- PA Principals Conference Committee, 2020-2023
- PA Association of Federal Programs Coordinators Vice President, 2021-2023
- PA Association of Federal Programs Coordinators Regional Representative on Board of Directors, 2017-2020
- Pennsylvania School Study Council, Elementary Principal Representative, 2017-2021
- Commonwealth Education Blueprint Steering Committee, 2017-2019
Other Positions:
- Class of 2000 Reunion Committee, Juniata College, 2005-present
- Alumni Council President, Juniata College, 2009-2010
- Alumni Council Board Member, Juniata College, 2002-2009
- Member, Friends of Raystown Lake, 2004-present
- Member, Chesapeake Bay Foundation, 2019-present
Professional Accomplishments:
- Conference Presenter at state and national level, 2018-2025
- Co-lead for Elementary MTSS Academic Leadership Team, 2024-present
- Pilot school for SEL program and Data Analytics and Insights management system, 2024-present
- Submitted and rewarded grants including Office of Safe Schools, Project STREAM, Highmark Foundation, 2015-2021 Education Policy Fellowship Program, 2014-2015