Jennifer Levernier: Balancing Leadership and Life
With over 14 years of experience in education, Jennifer Levernier knows what it takes to lead a school. Currently serving as the principal of the Lehigh Valley Charter High School for the Arts in Bethlehem, Jennifer is passionate about school climate, educator well-being, and creating supportive learning environments.
But her work doesn't stop at the school doors. Jennifer is also a wife, a mom, a writer, and the creator of Shattering the Glass Ceiling LLC, a platform dedicated to leadership, mindfulness, and personal growth in education. When it came to choosing a doctoral program, she needed an institution that valued her as a whole person.
"I chose Lehigh because I needed a program that understood the reality of balancing leadership, family, and personal growth. As a full-time principal, wife, and mom, it was important to find something that would challenge me without feeling disconnected from my day-to-day life."
Championing Women in Educational Leadership
At Lehigh, Jennifer found a community of peers who understand the unique demands of executive school leadership. She has been active in the WE: LEAD initiative, which focuses on supporting and connecting women in educational leadership across the region.
Through this initiative, Jennifer helped drive the success of the event "Shattering the Glass Ceiling: Many Paths for Lehigh Valley Women in Education." The initiative created an essential, empowering space for women leaders to share their experiences, build regional networks, and uplift one another in the field.
Where Research Meets Practice
For Jennifer, the most valuable aspect of Lehigh’s College of Education is its emphasis on bridging theory and real-world application.
- Immediate Impact: What she learns in the doctoral seminars directly impacts how she leads her building the very next day.
- Intentional Decision-Making: The program has strengthened her ability to reflect deeply on real problems in education while equipping her with data-driven, practical tools.
- Accessible Faculty: Jennifer credits the thoughtful, highly accessible faculty for being genuinely invested in her journey and helping her navigate complex educational challenges.
Expanding Impact to Systems-Level Change
As a high school principal, Jennifer sees firsthand how top-down leadership decisions shape teacher well-being and student outcomes. Her ultimate goal is to scale her impact from a single building to entire school districts.
By earning her Superintendent Letter of Eligibility, Jennifer aims to transition into district-level leadership. Her mission is clear: to focus on supporting educators, strengthening local school communities, and creating systemic conditions where both staff and students can thrive.
Life in Bethlehem
Living and working in Bethlehem fits perfectly with Jennifer's love for creativity and connection. When she isn't leading her high school or studying, she loves spending time in downtown Bethlehem.
Her favorite local spots and activities include: exploring the local restaurants, boutiques, and coffee shops, and catching live music and community events,.
