hi! i’m jen.
about
I’m deeply committed to transforming how educators show up for themselves and in turn, their students and school communities.
I quickly realized that while burnout was exacerbated by the pandemic, the underlying issue required introducing a new paradigm of teaching; one that prioritizes social-emotional well-being to transform how educators show up for their students, colleagues and themselves.
I founded Empowered Educator® in 2020 as a response to teacher burnout from the pandemic.
During my first year in the classroom I realized that although I felt prepared with my content knowledge, pedagogy and philosophy, I had no idea who my students were. As a result, I dove into the research about how we learn through the lens of cognitive neuroscience which led me to pursue my Ph.D. in Educational Psychology. Throughout my career I have come to believe that the most generous thing educators can do for their students is take care of themselves.
where i started
My research has led to some incredible opportunities including a feature in Authority Magazine, Medium, Thrive Global and Voyage MIA. I am a TEDx speaker and the author of the Amazon bestseller, A Place in the Staff: Finding Your Way as a Music Teacher. My podcast, Take Notes, is in the top 2.5% of global podcasts.
My insatiable curiosity continues to make the Empowered Educator® programs relevant and reflective of the most up-to-date research in mindset, leadership, and cognitive neuroscience. I am committed to inspiring teachers and school leaders to discover their voice and maintain a healthy longevity throughout their careers.
I began as a public school music teacher for 15 years in Central New York.
Since its inception, I’ve reached teachers and school leaders all over the world through Empowered Educator®
meet the team...
Coach
Client Success Manager
Curriculum Writer
Data Acquisition Specialist
Jillian Seibel Pawlowski
Lisa Gaede
Liz Pawlowski
Renee Duncan
Jillian is a trauma informed certified transformation coach. She specializes in radical self-love, metacognition, consciousness, and the unification of mind and body to help people transform the way they experience themselves and life. Her expertise provides a safe space for clients to grow towards expansive self-love and self-actualization. Her passion for personal and professional growth is the foundation for her calling: to make the world a kinder, more loving place. Take a look at this CLIP from Jillian's impact talk. (Watch the full talk HERE)
Lisa spent 30 years as an elementary school speech-language pathologist. She thrives on personal interaction and cultivating relationships with those that take part in Empowered Educator programs, and provides backend support to the Empowered Educator team. Lisa loves watching the remarkable growth Empowered Educator participants experience, as they step into their authentic selves and power.
Liz brings 15 years of dedicated experience as an elementary school teacher to her current role as assistant principal of a vibrant PK-8 school. With a deep passion for fostering a safe and loving educational environment, Liz is committed to nurturing young minds while also supporting the growth and positive experience of all staff members. She believes in creating a collaborative community where both students and educators thrive. Her career is marked by a profound dedication to creating engaging, inclusive learning experiences and a genuine desire to help every student and staff member reach their full potential.
Renee is a New York City and Australian certified music teacher holding a Doctor of Education. She currently teaches in NYC and serves as a Digital Media Manager for the Music Educator's Association of New York (MEANYC). As a research specialist, Renee is a regular presenter at state, national, and international conferences and has published articles on K-12 curriculum, instruction, and technology integration. Renee has followed Jen's journey with Empowered Educator from the beginning and is excited to join this amazing team.
We believe the most generous thing you can do for other people is take care of yourself.
8 Tenets of an
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Is an emotionally intelligent leader.
05
Uses their voice to advocate for their professional needs.
06
Recognizes the power of language.
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Prioritizes their overall well-being.
04
Develops a consistent reflective practice.
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Has an unwavering professional mission.
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Unlocks their crystal clear vision.
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Understands cognitive neuroscience and psychology of learning.
Empowered Educator
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You can’t pour from an empty vessel. Learn 10 simple, research-based strategies that you can do right now to prevent and reverse burnout and refill your cup.