Jennifer Morales

Executive Assistant

jmorales@niet.org

Jennifer brings more than 15 years of experience in education, spanning classroom teaching, instructional leadership, educator support, and nonprofit work. After earning a B.S. in Exercise Science and Physical Education with a concentration in Exercise Wellness from Arizona State University, Jennifer returned to ASU to earn her Master’s in Education and teaching certificate. She spent the majority of her education career at Chandler High School, where she taught a variety of science classes, in addition to teaching a dual enrolled Human Anatomy and Physiology course through Chandler-Gilbert Community College. She later expanded her commitment to supporting educators and creating opportunities for student success, serving as Teacher Recognition Coordinator for the Million Dollar Teacher Project, a Phoenix-area nonprofit focused on elevating the teaching profession through recognition, support, and compensation.

Jennifer also has experience supporting mission-driven leaders and organizations, including assisting Dr. Sian "Leo" Proctor with her personal and professional platforms as she prepared for the Inspiration4 space mission. Today, as an Executive Assistant at NIET, Jennifer draws on her classroom experience and nonprofit background to support leadership and advance NIET’s mission of building educator excellence and giving all students the opportunity for success. A Los Angeles native and lifelong athlete, Jennifer played ice hockey at Arizona State University. Outside of work, she enjoys traveling and road trips with her husband, son Anthony, and their dog, Tangles, especially when they involve hiking, camping, kayaking, and exploring out-of-the-way places.

 Jennifer  Morales

What was your favorite subject in school and why? 

I really enjoyed being a student and going to school. However, if I have to choose favorites, I would say P.E. in my younger years, as I loved to be active, compete and play games, and English, in my secondary years, as I had the same fabulous English teacher for both my freshman and senior years. Mrs. Potts made reading, writing and critical thinking so much fun and tangible for all her students. The best part of the English curriculum at my high school was at the end of the Shakespeare curriculum, the whole school participated in the Shakespeare Festival, complete with hair-braiding, jousting and on-stage act performances. Ironically, though, I ultimately became a science educator for 15 years. Science was a close second!

What do you do in your free time? 

I don’t have much free time as I have a 7-year-old son, however we enjoy hiking, camping, kayaking, and being outdoors and in nature as much as possible. I have always been a competitive athlete, playing soccer, field hockey and ice hockey through high school, college and into adulthood. Whenever I can, I enjoy playing in ice hockey tournaments.

What is your superpower/hidden talent?

My superpower is being able to find common ground and enjoy a conversation with just about anyone. Though I am not an extrovert, I enjoy people’s company, love meeting new people and hearing their stories.