Jeanetta Penniston

Senior Specialist, Midwest Region

jpenniston@niet.org

Jeanetta Penniston is a Specialist with the Midwest Region team. Based in Indiana, she brings 22 years of experience developing leaders, educators, and students. A passionate educational leader, Jeanetta is committed to growing and supporting adults to strengthen instructional practices and improve student learning outcomes. She began her career as a classroom teacher before serving as a Master Teacher for six years and as an Assistant Principal for the past nine years. Beginning in 2011, she has served in schools supported by NIET, developing deep expertise in advancing excellence in teaching and leadership.

Throughout her career, Jeanetta has contributed to and led schools recognized for outstanding achievement and innovation. Her accomplishments include winning the TAP Founder’s Award in 2016 and being named an NIET Founder’s Award finalist in 2023. She was serving as the assistant principal in a school recognized as a 2023 Top 3 finalist for the World’s Best School Prizes award. She has also been part of schools honored with the 2010 National Title I School for Closing the Achievement Gap designation, the 2019 National Title I Distinguished School award for Exceptional Student Performance, the 2013 TAP Ambassador Award, and the 2016 Indiana Department of Education School of Promising Practice recognition.

Jeanetta earned her undergraduate degree in Elementary Education, along with a minor in Special Education, from University of Indianapolis. She later completed a Master of Science in Educational Leadership from Indiana University. Her educational background, combined with her extensive leadership experience, has prepared her to support schools and educators in creating meaningful and lasting improvements in student achievement.

Why are you passionate about working at NIET?

I am passionate about working at NIET because I have seen firsthand the impact that its support systems, structures, and processes have on educators and students. Once I experienced the guidance and framework provided through the NIET model, I knew I wanted to continue working in schools that embraced these practices. The intentional support for both leaders and teachers creates an environment where educators can continuously improve their craft and better meet the needs of students.

What inspires me most is the opportunity to help others grow. I firmly believe that when leaders and teachers are developed and empowered, student learning and achievement improve as a result. NIET’s commitment to building educator capacity aligns closely with my own passion for supporting adults in education so they can have an even greater impact on the students they serve.

What do you do in your free time?

In my free time, I enjoy spending quality time with my family and making the most of the moments we share together. Much of my time is spent cheering on my two children as they participate in their various sports and activities. I also enjoy relaxing with my family by watching game shows and creating memories through traditions that are important to us. These experiences allow us to spend time together while enjoying activities we all love. When I have time to myself, I also enjoy reading and listening to books of different genres.