Dr. Peña is truly an invaluable resource to have when trying to improve the experience of students in special education. Her knowledge is endless, and her passion for ALL students shines through in her trainings. Her trainings are engaging and her humor is something that keeps the audience wanting more.
I had the pleasure of learning from Jenn for many years to ensure the protocols for students in special education were both equitable and effective, and because of our work together, we were able to guarantee that students in special education received a proper education.
I HIGHLY recommend that school leaders reach out to Jenn to participate in her trainings, you will truly not regret that decision!
Jordan Franco
Co-Founder, Rio Grande Academy of Fine Arts
“Our school contracted Dr. Peña to help us improve our inclusion teaching model and Special Education Department. She has provided excellent services, professional development, and support. Her knowledge and resources have bettered not only our department, but our entire school community as a whole. We look forward to continuing to work with her and find her a vital member of our school team.”
— April Miller, Special Education Coordinator, McCurdy Charter School
Dr. Peña has proven to be a critical resource for me, as a new school leader, and to our school. She understands the importance of providing high quality special education services, and in order to provide strong special education services in the classroom, there needs to be strong organization systems in place. Dr. Peña can provide the latter, so we as a school can focus on the former.
-Rachael Sewards, Founder and Head of School, Solare Collegiate Charter School
Jenn is a great trainer; she has a wealth of knowledge and depth of understanding of complex special education issues, but regardless of where teachers and special education professionals are in their knowledge and understanding, she never makes anyone feel foolish for what they don’t know. She is always open, warm, and supportive, which makes it really easy to voice those niggling questions we all have and are afraid to ask.
– Former Colleague
It has been a pleasure to work with Dr. Jennifer Peña, Special Education Director, Mission Achievement and Success Charter School (MAS) for the last seven years. Dr. Peña works tirelessly to ensure students receive the services they require and need. In my time at MAS, Dr. Peña has functioned in many roles, besides Special Education Director, she has served as test coordinator, teacher trainer, and mentor. She is professional, efficient and organized, and sets deadlines for herself and for her staff to complete assigned tasks. She makes sure her staff receive the training needed and follow up to be successful. She understands teachers, like high school students, have different levels of expertise and always finds a way to work to support her staff and students without making them feel inferior.
-James A. Byers, Ed.S. Licensed Educational Diagnostician
Ms. Peña helped me realize that I could do more than I thought I could do in my education. She challenged me to think more rationally of myself than I had in the past.
– CY, MAS Charter School, Class of 2020
Dr. Peña has been a mentor to me in so many ways. Her extensive knowledge and experience have been invaluable in helping me do my job well. She is simultaneously a fierce advocate for students and well-versed in NM special education laws.
Dr. Peña has an incredible way of balancing policy with advocacy and compassion for families and students. She has been a constant source of knowledge and positive, strong support in helping me do my job as a special education teacher.
Dr. Peña has shown me how to hold my students to high expectations, providing all learners with the tools they need to succeed, all while strictly adhering to the policies required to be in compliance with NM special education policies and procedures.
– Former Colleague and Parent
“I just witnessed excellence in action! Angela, thanks for the great PD on questions in class. Watching [our teacher] employ those strategies (I imagine she had some of those tricks already in her back pocket) was such a joy. [Our teacher] asked questions of a great range of kids, waited patiently while a couple had to consider and think about it, and praised appropriately when they got it right (or worked it out). It was brilliant!
Thank you both for making the magic happen here at [our school].”
—Administrator at a school we held a professional development for