Jennifer Darrah

About Jennifer Darrah

I’ve built a career rooted in transformational leadership, strategic collaboration, and…

Experience

1. Middle School Teacher

   Chicago Public Schools

   May 2008 — Present · Chicago, IL, US

   As a STEM educator and data-driven instructional leader, I’ve consistently delivered exceptional results across instruction, coaching, and performance systems. I specialize in driving growth through rigorous planning, culturally responsive teaching, and targeted intervention — while mentoring staff to build capacity and elevate instruction. Key Contributions & Results:Earned “Distinguished” REACH ratings in Instruction, Planning, and Classroom Environment for 4 consecutive years, placing me among CPS’s top-tier educators (achieved by fewer than 5% districtwide)Achieved 96–100% student growth for 7 consecutive years on REACH performance tasks — far exceeding CPS district normsServed 112+ students annually with inquiry-based STEM instruction grounded in Universal Design for Learning and equity frameworksDesigned and maintained full academic data systems (NWEA/easyCBM); led 100% of weekly analysis, regrouping, and progress monitoringResulted in 26% average RIT growth in reading, more than doubling the district average of 12%Led the academic strategy that moved the school from Level 3 to Level 2+ in one year — a rare accomplishment achieved by <5% of CPS schoolsProvided 120+ 1:1 coaching sessions to peers, crafting growth plans and modeling high-leverage strategies in learning labsLed a 10-person SME team to launch an enrichment program that exceeded all KPIs related to student learning and instructional fidelityAdvocated for full implementation of CPS recess policy, restoring time for student well-being and improving school climateI remain committed to advancing systems of learning, inclusion, and performance — applying my strengths in coaching, design, and data to create results that last.

Education

• Western Illinois University

  Bachelor's degree, Board of Trustee: Public Relations

  1996 — 1999

• Saint Xavier University

  Master's degree of Education , Adolescent Development

• University of Chicago

  Middle School Science Endorsement, Physics and Environmental Sciences

  2008 — 2009