October is National Principals Month, a time to recognize the school leaders who shape the culture, instruction, and success of Alabama’s schools. A+ is proud to celebrate our principals all month long. A+ College Ready supports them through instructional leadership training, data and strategic alignment, and direct operational and financial resources. Working closely with principals across the A+ College Ready program is Jennifer Abney, Senior Director of Leadership and Support.
Meet Jennifer
Jennifer Abney joined A+ College Ready in 2026. She leads efforts to strengthen leadership capacity and provide differentiated support to schools and districts across Alabama. She works alongside school leaders to strengthen instructional systems, develop effective leadership practices, and build sustainable structures that expand access to rigorous, high-quality learning for all students.
With more than 20 years of experience in education, Jennifer has served as a teacher, principal, district leader, curriculum coordinator, and Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) education specialist. Her career includes leadership roles with St. Clair County Schools, Trussville City Schools, and the Alabama State Department of Education. She has also experienced A+ from both the school and district perspectives, serving as principal of an A+ College Ready school and as a curriculum coordinator supporting a district of A+ schools. Jennifer holds a bachelor’s degree in physical education from the University of Alabama at Birmingham and a master’s degree in instructional leadership from Samford University.
A Principal’s Perspective
Jennifer brings a principal’s perspective to her work with school leaders. “Being a principal was one of the greatest privileges of my career.” She treasures the moments that make the role worthwhile: a student finding her place, a teacher growing into a leader, and the people who became like family along the way. In her words, “You get to watch students grow, succeed, and sometimes accomplish things they never thought possible.”
Since her time as a principal, Jennifer has supported school leaders at both the district and state levels. That experience has deepened her respect for the many roles principals fill each day, including instructional leader, culture builder, strategic thinker, problem solver, and communicator. She has also learned that “leadership often means planting seeds you may never see fully bloom.” That idea is at the heart of her message to principals this month:
“Your impact is far greater than what you can see today. It is in the relationships you build. It is in the teacher you encourage at just the right time. It is in the student who knows there is an adult in the building who believes in them. It is in the systems you create, the expectations you set, and the culture you work so hard to build. Thank you for continuing to show up. Thank you for leading. Thank you for believing in your teachers and students.”
By the Numbers: According to the ALSDE 2025 Quick Facts, Alabama has more than 3,000 principals and assistant principals leading 1,501 public schools and serving over 750,000 students.
Thank you, Principals
Jennifer closes with a message of thanks on behalf of A+ College Ready:
“At A+ College Ready, we are incredibly thankful for the principals who show up and do this work every single day. We see your commitment to your students, teachers, schools, and communities. We recognize the joy that comes with the role, but we also recognize the weight you carry.
Thank you for continuing to show up. Thank you for leading. Thank you for believing in your teachers and students. And thank you for doing the work, especially on the days when it is hard to see the difference you are making.
During National Principals Month, I hope you take a moment to celebrate the impact you have had and the lives you have touched.
And while you are busy taking care of everyone else, don’t forget to take care of yourself, too.”
To every Alabama principal, thank you for your commitment to your students, teachers, schools, and communities. A+ College Ready is honored to work alongside you!
For more information on A+ College Ready or to connect with Jennifer, click here.
