Gennifre Hartman

About Gennifre Hartman

I’ve spent more than 25 years working in education - most of it in places where learning doesn’t stay neatly inside a classroom.My career has taken me through independent schools, universities, wilderness programs, and international field studies. Along the way I’ve served as Head of School for multiple independent schools, taught at the university level, designed experiential learning programs, and spent more than a few weeks (actually hundreds) guiding students through unfamiliar places and big questions. I currently serve as Head of School at Headwaters Academy in Bozeman, Montana, where I work closely with teachers, families, and our Board to support strong teaching, thoughtful program development, and a school culture built around curiosity, adventure, and community. A lot of my work centers on helping great teachers do their best work—and making sure students have opportunities to learn through real experiences, not just textbooks.Earlier in my career I founded The Traveling School, an overseas high school program that combined rigorous academics with global experiential learning. Over the years I’ve helped develop and lead international programs across more than 50 countries, working with students everywhere from city streets to mountain passes.I also spent nearly a decade teaching and advising students at Montana State University, where I had the privilege of working with young adults as they began thinking seriously about their futures.What continues to energize me is working with curious young people and the educators who care deeply about them. I’m especially interested in educational models that help students develop independence, perspective, and the confidence to navigate a complicated world. I’m happiest working with curious kids, creative teachers, and schools willing to let learning get a little bigger than the classroom.

Experience

1. Head of School

   Headwaters Academy Middle School

   Aug 2020 — Present · Bozeman, MT, US

   I serve as Head of School for an independent middle school of 90+ students and 17 faculty, working closely with teachers, families, and our Board to support strong teaching, thoughtful program development, and a school culture rooted in curiosity, adventure, and community.A focus of my leadership has been building a school where students and teachers enjoy showing up each day. We have maintained strong faculty and student retention, and I’m regularly told by families and staff that the culture of the school feels both joyful and purposeful. Helping great teachers do their best work -and helping young people feel known, challenged, and capable - is the part of the job I care about most.Leadership & School Development• Lead academic programming, faculty development, and student culture initiatives across the school• Guide instructional strategy and the transition to competency-based learning across disciplines• Partner with the Board of Directors on strategic planning and long-term sustainability• Serve as a primary liaison to families and community partnersProgram Innovation• Designed and launched a seminar program offering 30+ seminars annually, giving students opportunities to explore interests ranging from outdoor leadership and creative writing to entrepreneurship and environmental studies• Expanded experiential learning through immersive Field Studies and May Term expeditions• Developed new 8th-grade field study programs in Montana, Hawaii, Iceland, and SpainExperiential Learning Leadership• Oversee domestic and international Field Studies programs, integrating curriculum, safety systems, and staffing• Connect classroom learning with real-world environments through place-based and experiential programmingSelected InitiativesLed the growth partnership with Montana Wilderness School to expand wilderness programming; guided the school-wide transition to mastery-based assessment; and co-led a feasibility study exploring high school expansion.

Education

• University of Montana

  Master of Arts, English Education

  1994 — 1996

• University of Oregon

  Bachelor of Arts, Journalism

  1991 — 1994

Skills

• Strategic Planning
• Fundraising
• International Relations
• Editing
• Volunteer Management
• Training
• Community Outreach
• Alternative Education
• Staff Development
• Teaching
• Outdoor Education
• Social Media
• Grants
• Spanish
• Curriculum Design
• Non-Profits
• Curriculum Development
• Event Planning
• Program Development
• Management
• Grant Writing
• Leadership
• Nonprofits
• Higher Education
• Research
• Public Speaking
• Writing
• Risk Management
• Leadership Development