University of Calgary - Canada
Author Profile
Early Academic Pursuits
Dr. Jennifer Turner's academic journey is marked by a relentless pursuit of excellence and a dedication to advancing educational leadership and mental health promotion. She holds a Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership (K-12) from the University of Calgary, with a dissertation focusing on district leadership in mental health promotion within a British Columbia school district. Complementing her doctoral studies, she has pursued various certifications and advanced clinical certificates, including Business Intelligence Analytics, School Leader Qualification Standard, and Superintendent Leadership Qualification.
Professional Endeavors
- Dr. Turner's professional trajectory is distinguished by her leadership roles and extensive service in the field of education, particularly in Alberta and British Columbia. She currently serves as the Director of the Centre for Wellbeing in Education at the Werklund School of Education, Calgary, where she spearheads initiatives to promote mental health and wellbeing in educational settings. Prior to this, she held pivotal positions such as Superintendent of Schools at Fort McMurray Public Schools, Assistant Superintendent at Rocky Mountain School District 6, and District Principal at Boundary School District 51, among others. These roles underscore her breadth of experience in educational leadership, governance, policy development, and program implementation.
Contributions and Research Focus
Dr. Turner's scholarly pursuits revolve around leveraging research and theory to inform educational leadership practices aimed at enhancing teaching, learning, and student wellbeing. Her research interests encompass K-12 leadership, governance, mental health promotion, and early intervention. Noteworthy contributions include authored research reports, peer-reviewed articles, book chapters, and presentations at international, national, and regional conferences. Her seminal work in mapping education leadership of mental health promotion exemplifies her commitment to bridging research and practice to address critical issues in education.
Accolades and Recognition
Throughout her career, Dr. Turner has garnered numerous accolades and achievements, highlighting her significant contributions to the field of education. Awards such as the Outstanding Women of the Boundary Award and her roles in various professional organizations underscore her leadership, expertise, and dedication to advancing educational practices and policies.
Impact and Influence
Dr. Turner's influence extends beyond her professional roles, shaping educational practices and policies at the provincial and district levels. Her leadership in mental health promotion, collaborative initiatives, and engagement with diverse stakeholders have contributed to the development of a critical knowledge base within the educational landscape. Through her research, advocacy, and strategic leadership, she has played a pivotal role in fostering positive school environments and supporting the holistic wellbeing of students and educators alike.
Legacy and Future Contributions
Looking ahead, Dr. Turner's legacy lies in her ongoing commitment to advancing educational leadership, mental health promotion, and student wellbeing. Her multifaceted expertise, scholarly contributions, and collaborative endeavors position her as a driving force for positive change in educational practices and policies. With a keen focus on research-informed practices and strategic leadership, she continues to shape the future of education, leaving an indelible mark on the field and inspiring future generations of educational leaders.
Notable Publication
- Brandon, J., & Turner, J. (2021). The Benefits of Positive Superintendent Leadership. A paper prepared for the Research on the Superintendency Special Interest Group, American Educational Research Association, Virtual Annual Meeting.
- Turner, J., & Brandon, J. (2019). Positive District Leadership for Flourishing Schools, [Paper Presentation]. Positive Leadership for Flourishing Schools Forum, Kingston, Ontario.
- Turner J. (2005). SMART Reading and Students with Special Needs. International Special Education Conference, Glasgow Scotland.
- Turner J. (2005). Instructional Support Strategies for Children and Youth with FASD. International FASD Conference, Victoria British Columbia.