Katie Jenner
Indiana Secretary of Education
Indiana Department of Education
Indianapolis, IN USA
“Everyone’s path looks different and that’s not only okay, that’s a really good thing.”
Videos
By Roadtrip NationKatie Jenner
00:57
Katie Jenner Highlight04:36
Interview01:58
Advice For Finding Your Path02:39
My Career Path01:06
Career Advice For Students01:28
School Is About Skill Development01:40
Day In The Life Of A Secretary Of Education
Milestones
My road in life has been direct.
In high school, I participated in a work-based learning experience, through which I learned that I was interested in both education and policy work.
I had initially planned to go to college and then continue on to law school but while in college, I realized that the education field called to me more.
After graduating with a degree in business administration and management, I went on to earn a master’s degree in education and a doctor of education in educational leadership and administration.
I started as a school administrator for Madison Consolidated Schools and worked my way up to assistant superintendent.
I then worked as the vice president of K-12 initiatives and statewide partnerships for Ivy Tech Community College.
I spent a year and a half serving as senior education advisor to Governor Eric J. Holcomb before moving into my current position as secretary of education for the state of Indiana.
Keep following my journey
Education
High School
Bachelor
Business Administration and Management
Transylvania University
Business Administration and Management
Transylvania University
Graduate
Education
University of Kentucky
Education
University of Kentucky
Doctorate
Educational Leadership and Administration
University of Kentucky
Educational Leadership and Administration
University of Kentucky
Graduate
Business Administration and Management
Indiana State University - Scott College of Business
Business Administration and Management
Indiana State University - Scott College of Business
Career
Indiana Secretary of Education
I am responsible for implementing and shaping Indiana state’s vision of K-12 education.
Career Roadmap
My work combines:
My work combines:
Education
Politics
Helping People
Day to Day
While no day is typical, I spend most of my time meeting with educators, community members, and other stakeholders to collaborate on solutions for addressing the greatest challenges for our students. I also routinely present on the state’s work to stakeholder groups, as well as frequently travel across Indiana to see firsthand the creativity, innovation, and bold thinking happening in our schools.
Advice for Getting Started
Here's the first step for high school students
Do everything you can to explore different career opportunities. Meet people who can teach you something new about a career you didn't know about. Get comfortable asking adults about their jobs. Find out what they like and don't like about it. If you come out of a conversation about a certain career and you find that you're still interested in it, keep digging, lean in, and explore it more.
Recommended Education
My career is related to what I studied. I'd recommend the path I took:
Bachelor
Business Administration and Management
Business Administration and Management
Graduate
Education
Education
Doctorate
Educational Leadership and Administration
Educational Leadership and Administration
Graduate
Business Administration and Management
Business Administration and Management
Hurdles
The Noise I Shed
From Myself:
"Is this the right path? Am I doing enough? Should I look at something else?"
