Elevating Paraprofessionals: PD Strategies for Districtwide Success

Over the last 20+ years, Rachel has established and scaled mission-driven marketing teams in startup, enterprise, and nonprofit settings. Her education experience includes leading marketing for BoardOnTrack and TeachFX before joining BetterLesson. She also serves as a mentor to EdTech founders via StartEd and a mentor to marketers via GrowthMentor. And, as a mom of two school-aged kids, the mission of ensuring every kid has access to a high-quality public education is a core reason for her commitment to this work.

Jenna Keaney has over twenty years of experience in the education field and now serves as the VP of Professional Learning at BetterLesson. In this role, she leads a team of instructional experts to utilize their expertise to design professional learning solutions that address a district’s most pressing needs. She strongly believes in the important work of educators and is passionate about equipping all teachers and leaders with the best resources to help them succeed in ensuring equitable outcomes for all students. Prior to BetterLesson, Jenna served as the K-12 Literacy and Humanities Director for the Chelsea Public Schools in Massachusetts. During her public education career, she has served in many roles including classroom teacher, literacy specialist, instructional coach, special educator, educational leader, and professional learning facilitator. She was selected as a MA DESE PARCC Fellow and she participated in the National Institute for School Leadership and Harvard University Executive Leadership for Educators educational leadership programs. Jenna has a Masters in Education and Creative Arts and Learning from Lesley University.

Sandra was born and raised in Fresno, and it was at Roosevelt High where her identity was guided to be the person she is now. Although all of her experiences were not easy, she did not let this adversity stop her. Because of her upbringing, her goal is to invest in students and youth like others did for her. After being with the district for 24 years, her personal and professional experiences have contributed to her passion of increasing opportunities for the youth in Fresno. She believes that every student can be successful with equitable systems of support. In her new role as Instructional Superintendent of McLane Regional Schools, she works toward this goal every day!

Sandeep Jaspal is the Assistant Superintendent of Education for Kerman Unified School District. Sandeep has 23 years of experience in education.  Her educational experience in Kerman includes roles as a Classroom Teacher, Literacy Coach, Assistant Principal, Principal, and Director of Pupil Personnel Services.

Craig Hartsell is the Director of Pupil Personnel Services for the Kerman Unified School District.  Craig has 30 years of experience in education including roles as a Teacher, Instruction Math Coach, Assistant Principal, and Principal.