Over the summer, Sachem Central School District appointed Jennifer Carpenter as one of the Assistant Principals at Sachem High School East, recognizing a veteran educator whose nearly two decades of classroom experience and collaborative leadership have made a lasting impact on students and colleagues alike.

Carpenter, a world language educator with 17 years of experience in Sachem, brings a strong instructional background and a track record of building programs that elevate student achievement. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish Secondary Education from Hofstra University, a Master’s degree from Stony Brook University, and most recently a School Building Leadership certificate from St. Joseph’s University.

“Sachem has been my home for my entire teaching career, and I feel incredibly fortunate to have been a part of this community,” Carpenter said. “I have seen firsthand the pride, dedication, and sense of family that define Sachem, and I am grateful to continue serving in this new capacity at East.”

During her tenure as a Spanish teacher, Carpenter stepped in as acting World Language Department Chairperson during a leave replacement and played a pivotal role in bringing the New York State Seal of Biliteracy to Sachem. This initiative celebrates and certifies students’ multilingual proficiency.

Her decision to pursue school leadership, she said, grew from a desire to expand her impact. 

“As a teacher, I always found joy in helping students discover confidence in their learning and celebrating their growth," she said. "Over the years, I also found myself drawn to supporting my colleagues, whether through collaboration, curriculum work, or leadership opportunities. Those experiences inspired me to expand my impact and pursue school leadership.”

Carpenter is prioritizing relationships and a student-centered school culture: “My goal in this first year is to get to know our students, families, and staff on a deeper level, to listen, to celebrate successes, and to work together to address challenges. I want everyone to know they can count on me as someone approachable, dependable, and committed to their success.”

Carpenter describes her leadership style as visible, relational, and service-oriented. “I plan to be present in classrooms, hallways, and at school events, celebrating students, supporting staff, and building strong connections with families. To me, leadership is about service, partnership, and creating a school community where everyone feels valued.”

Her immediate goals include strengthening support systems that nurture the “whole child,” ensuring students feel a genuine sense of belonging academically, socially, and emotionally, while also empowering teachers through open communication and collaborative problem-solving. 

“I want teachers to feel heard, supported, and set up for success,” she noted. “I want to be known as approachable, dependable, and a true team player.”

Carpenter’s appointment underscores Sachem’s commitment to cultivating leaders from within who understand the district’s traditions and aspirations. 

“Sachem is home,” she said. “There’s a deep sense of pride, tradition, and community that runs through everything here. Whether you’ve been here a while or just joined the district, you feel at home immediately. There’s just something special about Sachem that’s hard to put into words but easy to recognize.”

With her extensive classroom experience, program-building expertise, and collaborative approach, Carpenter is poised to make a meaningful impact at Sachem High School East - supporting students, partnering with families, and strengthening a culture where everyone can thrive.