Kerry Purcell

A Senior Consultant with Focus on Results, Kerry Purcell began her education career as a kindergarten teacher for Springfield District 186. During her twelve years as a classroom teacher, Kerry served in various leadership capacities at the school and district level. She presented at numerous state conferences around topics including developmentally appropriate teaching practices for early learners and best practices in literacy education.

Kerry received her Master's Degree in educational administration and has served as a building administrator for eight years. Most recently, Kerry has served as building principal for Harvard Park Elementary School in Springfield, Il. Harvard Park has made significant academic gains in both literacy and mathematics resulting in the school being removed from the state watch list. While serving as building principal, Kerry has also been active at the District level supporting new administrators and teachers in the implementation of school improvement models.

Most notable is Kerry's work around data interpretation and analysis, building and sustaining professional learning communities, and creative use of fiscal, human and time resources to support school improvement. Kerry's school is one of three schools highlighted in a PBS Documentary, The Principal Story, produced by Nomadic Pictures. The documentary, aired nationally on PBS, explores the impact of principal leadership on the quest for public school improvement. This work also involves Outreach with the intent to share the story of leadership with other in an effort to educate others about the role of instructional leaders in school settings.

The Chicago Tribune gives The Principal Story four stars – calling it “excellent and emotionally compelling."

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