Jenay Kightlinger-Sharp is our new Director of HR. We recently interviewed Jenay on her new role with Matchbook Learning.
What led you to Matchbook Learning? Describe your journey here.
Growing up, all I wanted to do was play basketball and coach. I wanted to teach. Along the way, life happened and my path changed but the urge to teach and to coach were still there. While in college, I had a terrible employment experience and it was then that I decided Human Resources was for me. I vowed to change how my employees would view their HR department. I wanted to be an asset to employees, not the someone people dreaded. Matchbook Learning partnered with Michigan Technical Academy in late April and now that I am here, part of the team, I feel I am finally “home”.
What most attracted you to this position?
The biggest attraction to me is the family at Matchbook Learning, the strong sense of team. Working to turnaround an underperforming school is a daunting task. However, as Helen Keller so aptly said, “Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much”. Matchbook Learning offers me a chance to be valued as a strategic partner, utilizing my HR talents to help our staff excel which in turn will help our students excel.
What do you think will be the biggest challenge of serving as Matchbook's Director of Human Resources?
I believe the challenge is twofold. First is finding the most talented educators that will bring to life the Matchbook Model. Second is staying ahead of the game by creating a competitive compensation and benefits package.
What are the keys to accomplishing a school turnaround?
From an HR perspective, it’s about investing in human capital. Studies show the biggest impact to student achievement is having a quality teacher in place. It all starts with our teachers.
What are your goals for this next year? What are your expectations a year from now and how will you be different?
My goals for this year are centered on hiring and retaining quality teachers. Once all teachers have been hired and the school year is under way, I will be surveying the newly hired staff regarding the onboarding procedures and asking for feedback. In addition, returning teachers will be surveyed as well to capitalize on the reasons why they stayed. Keeping this data and continuing to look to improve upon it will keep us moving in the right direction in seeking out and retaining quality staff.
A year from now I would like to have a solid recruiting plan in place along with a competitive compensation and benefits package for all of our staff.
Why should gifted educators consider working for a Matchbook school?
Coaching. The Matchbook Learning model gives teachers 20 coaching sessions throughout the year coupled with 4 quarterly goal-setting meetings. Gifted teachers looking to move forward in their field, to grow and become a master teacher with 21st Century Teaching Skills should join our Team.
Lastly, what do you like to do in your spare time? Offer a glimpse of who you are or what you are like outside of the working day.
My family is my prized possession. I have two grown beautiful children, Brian and AJ and play Auntie to 13 nieces and nephews.
During the summer, if I am not at my desk, I am on the links. Spending 4 ½ hours on the golf course with no email or phone and enjoying the sights is a perfect day.
I watch way too much TV and enjoy DIY crafts. I am a bit of a sports buff. I love to watch the PGA, the New England Patriots, and Men’s and Women’s College Basketball. March Madness is one of my favorite times of the year. Selection Sunday is a holiday in my house.
