Jenny Curtin

As Director of the Education Program, Jenny provides strategic leadership for the three interconnected Education strategy areas – Catalyze New Models, Invest in Educators, and Build Public Will – in support of the goal of transformation of the high school experience to advance excellence and equity for young people across New England. Jenny began serving in this capacity in July 2022.

Previously, Jenny developed and led the Catalyze New Models strategy in her role of senior program officer for Education. Her portfolio included new and reimagined schools across all six New England states, intermediary supports, learning communities, and research – all focused on transforming the high school experience so that all students, especially historically marginalized students, are fully prepared for a range of postsecondary options.

Prior to joining Barr in 2016, Jenny was at the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education for over a decade. At the Department she primarily focused on supporting schools and systems through grants, networks, and capacity-building to connect more students to success. Jenny led several state efforts in support of secondary school innovation and increasing high school graduation rates, during which time Massachusetts experienced unprecedented reductions in the state annual high school dropout rate and continual increases in cohort graduation rates. Jenny’s early career experiences, including coaching high school track, working in schools, and supporting school and program design at small nonprofits, continues to serve as a foundation for her belief in what is possible in public education.

A graduate of Tulane University, Jenny’s commitment to addressing equity in K-12 education was initially sparked through volunteering in New Orleans public schools. She holds a Master of Public Policy and certificate in nonprofit management from Johns Hopkins University. She has also been a Fellow in the Institute for Educational Leadership’s Education Policy Fellowship Program. Jenny enjoys everyday moments and adventures with her husband, two daughters, and dog.