Our schools are strongest when leaders step forward not just to direct, but to listen. Not just to manage, but to connect. With that spirit, we welcome Jennifer Cleary as the new Assistant Principal of Lafayette Elementary School.
Jennifer brings with her a rich background that spans classroom teaching, curriculum design, district-level consulting, and most importantly, a lifelong commitment to education as a calling. Her path to this role wasn’t linear, but it has always been rooted in the same core motivation of supporting students and the people who teach them.
From music to mission: a journey into education
Jennifer was born in Trenton, New Jersey, and raised in Langhorne, PA, in Bucks County. A proud graduate of Neshaminy High School, she grew up surrounded by strong public school educators who helped her develop a love for learning, especially through the arts.
“I always thought I would be a music teacher,” she shared. “I had incredible mentors, music educators who inspired me every step of the way. But once I got into college and started majoring in music education, I realized I loved music… I just didn’t want it to become my job.”
Encouraged by a thoughtful college advisor, Jennifer pivoted to study business, earning her degree in 2002. After two years in the corporate world, though, she felt something was missing. “It didn’t feel like me. I needed to go back to what had always called me, teaching.”
She enrolled in a career-changer program at the University of Pennsylvania, where she was immersed in classrooms and trained by passionate educators who modeled what purposeful teaching could look like. That experience launched her career as a classroom teacher in Florida, where she spent several years across Volusia and Palm Beach Counties teaching, leading, and learning.
Supporting teachers, supporting kids
Jennifer’s leadership journey began when she moved from the classroom into a district role in curriculum and instruction. At the time, Florida was shifting into Common Core standards, and her role required her to wear many hats such as instructional coach, curriculum writer, assessment developer, and principal support. Her team not only revised core subject assessments and curriculum but also worked closely with nationally recognized education experts to bring those changes to life in schools.
That’s when she discovered her love for adult learning. “I realized that I didn’t just enjoy teaching students, I also really loved supporting teachers and principals. I loved being the person who could help someone else find a better way to reach a student or bring a curriculum to life.”
Eventually, that work brought her to Lancaster, where she consulted with SDoL and quickly fell in love with the district’s mission, its people, and its potential. Now, as Assistant Principal at Lafayette, she’s bringing all of that experience into a building where she can be grounded in daily relationships with students, families, and staff.
Relationship first, always
Ask Jennifer what her job is as Assistant Principal, and she doesn’t hesitate “Building relationships and supporting instruction. That’s where everything starts.”
Jennifer approaches her role with a deep belief that behavior management, academic support, and family engagement are all tied together through trust. “When we know our students, when we know our families, we can support them in ways that are meaningful and lasting.”
At Lafayette, that means leading PBIS (Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports), helping students when redirection is needed, and being present in classrooms to support teachers with instructional strategies and encouragement.
And when it comes to families, Jennifer is eager to build connections, on their terms. “I want to meet people where they are. Whether that’s a roundtable, a town hall, a school event, or a simple phone call, I’m here. I’m open. And I want our families to know that I’m not just a name on an email.”
This year, Lafayette has already begun planning opportunities for families to connect including “Popsicles on the Playground” for incoming kindergarteners and new families, where students and caregivers can meet Jennifer, Principal Dr. Grill, and other staff in a casual, welcoming environment.
Why Lancaster, why now?
Jennifer’s love for the School District of Lancaster is grounded in her admiration for the people who make it special. “Our students are brilliant. They’re kind, creative, and capable. Our families are generous and resilient. And the staff? Some of the most dedicated human beings I’ve ever worked with.”
What stood out to her most about Lancaster wasn’t just the diversity, it was the spirit of the city. “It’s more than just demographics. Lancaster has heart. People are kind here. Even coming from a place like West Palm Beach, which was fast-paced and competitive, the warmth I felt when I arrived in Lancaster was immediate.”
Being part of a school building again, after several years in District leadership in the Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment department, is something she’s especially excited about. “When you’re a teacher, your classroom is your family. When you’re a building leader, the whole school becomes your family. And that’s what I’ve missed. I’ve seen it in other buildings across the district, how strong and close those school communities are. And now, I get to help build that every single day.”
A leader, a parent, a lifelong learner
Jennifer is also a proud parent. She and her family are currently in the process of adopting three children who joined their home through foster care. “It’s changed everything about who I am,” she said. “We’re no longer a foster family, we’re just a family. It’s been hard, beautiful, messy, and transformational. And it’s helped me grow in empathy, patience, and presence. It’s made me a better educator.”
She’s also full of unexpected talents such as being opera-trained, has lived her whole life without a sense of smell (which she says makes her unbeatable at the game BeanBoozled), and remains passionate about music, learning, and community-building.
Words to lead by
When asked to share a quote or guiding philosophy, Jennifer offered a powerful reflection:
“Leadership isn’t about titles. It’s about showing up when it’s hard, listening deeply, and never losing sight of the students we serve. The last few months have reminded me that growth often comes disguised as disruption. I’m not here because everything’s been easy, I’m here because I stayed grounded in purpose, even when the path wasn’t clear. I’m ready to lead with integrity, consistency, and heart and I’m ready to be part of a team that puts kids first, every single day.”
Jennifer Cleary brings to Lafayette a rare mix of lived experience, instructional expertise, humor, compassion, and a deeply rooted belief in what schools can be when people lead with care. She knows that education is never just about test scores or lesson plans, it’s about relationships, purpose, and possibility. And at Lafayette Elementary, those values are at the heart of everything she does.
As we gear up for the 2025-26 school year, we are excited to welcome Jennifer to the Lafayette community and the broader SDoL family!