From Teacher to Director. Now Here for School Leaders Like You.

In 2012, I walked into a local charter school as a part-time history teacher. I walked out 13 years later as the school’s director. During that time, I led a campus expansion that doubled enrollment, added a second facility, and reshaped how the school served students and families.

But it wasn’t easy.

As the school’s leader, I often felt the weight of every decision: class sizes, space constraints, staffing models, enrollment strategy, board dynamics, budgets, and always, the need to stay true to the school’s mission.

There was no central office to lean on. And even when I knew I needed help, I wasn’t sure where to find it, or how to afford it.

Eventually, I realized something. I didn’t need a full-time hire or a big consulting firm. What I needed was a thoughtful, experienced partner; someone who understood how schools actually work and could help me think through the next move.

That’s why I started Shelton School Support.

My Experience

30+ years in education | 13+ years in charter school leadership

Learn how I can support

Curriculum & Educator Support

  • Developed a place-based learning model integrating curriculum, culture, and community

  • Led professional development on interdisciplinary instruction and instructional leadership

  • Developed shared leadership structures to elevate more voices and build internal capacity

Ongoing Strategic Guidance & Leadership Coaching

  • Served as a trusted thought partner for school leaders navigating tough decisions

  • Built and managed multimillion-dollar budgets aligned to values and strategic goals

  • Collaboratively led school-wide implementation of restorative practices, improving culture and reducing discipline incidents

  • Built partnerships with local organizations to expand student opportunities and increase visibility

Strategic Planning & Organizational Design

  • Led academic, operational, and strategic functions for a K–12 charter school

  • Designed and implemented new staffing models, leadership structures, and systems to align with growth

  • Helped teams clarify roles and responsibilities to reduce burnout and improve collaboration

  • Worked closely with boards to align goals, support governance, and ensure compliance

Growth & Expansion Strategy

  • Oversaw the planning and construction of a new school facility to support growth

  • Doubled enrollment and staff while maintaining high academic performance

  • Managed charter amendments, enrollment strategy, and lottery processes

  • Built staffing models and support systems that scaled sustainably

A smiling woman with shoulder-length gray hair standing outdoors in a park with autumn trees in the background.

From Across the Education Community

  • “With patience and proven process, Jennifer makes lasting and meaningful change both achievable and sustainable.”

    Emily Martin, Assistant Head of School
    High Point Friends School
    read full testimonial

  • “If given the opportunity to work with Shelton again, my decision would be an immediate and resounding ‘YES!’”

    Judith Garbus, Office Manager
    The Hawbridge School
    read full testimonial

Let’s Lighten Your Load

Whether you’re navigating growth, rethinking staffing, planning for expansion, or just feeling stretched too thin, I’m here to help you find a clear, sustainable way forward.

Schedule a free consultation