Jennifer Locke

Jennifer Locke stumbled into teaching over twenty years ago after guest speaking in comparative religion class. She left that day thinking, “Crap. I need to become a teacher.” As a high school English teacher, she taught a wide range of students before launching her leadership journey as a literacy coach.

Achieving National Board Certification – a process supported by her union -- transformed how she thinks about community and leadership and led her to become a Teaching Fellow for the National Education Association’s (NEA) Teacher Quality Department. Fourteen years later, Jennifer is still elevating teacher voice and expertise for NEA. Her work is ever evolving but listening to and respecting educators' expertise weave throughout. She facilitates professional learning that centers members as designers and leaders and includes a fellowship program, coaching community schools on systems change through continuous improvement, and in just-in-time SEL and equity informed virtual learning.