Teaching, Learning & Leadership

Susanne Jerde, Chief Academic Officer

Email: susanne.jerde@highlineschools.org

Susanne is the Chief Academic Officer of Highline Public Schools.  Susanne began her teaching career in Highline in 1984, and since then has served as principal of McMicken Heights Elementary, director of Title 1/LAP/ELL, and executive director supervising schools K-12.  Susanne holds a superintendent’s certificate from Seattle University, a master’s from Seattle Pacific University, and a B.A. in elementary education from Central Washington University. 

Cheryl Schindel, Executive Assistant

Email: cheryl.schindel@highlineschools.org

Cheryl provides support to the Chief Academic Officer and Executive Director for Teaching, Learning & Leadership.  Contact Cheryl for general department information or specific questions related to Teaching and Learning. 

Bernard Koontz, Executive Director of Teaching, Learning and Leadership. 

Email: bernard.koontz@highlineschools.org

Bernard supports and supervises teams that support Language Learning (P-12) and Secondary Instruction. He supports the integration and responsiveness of these teams to meet student needs, collaborate with schools, and develop authentic relationships with families. Bernard also coordinates system-wide equity related education and professional development.  Bernard began his teaching career at Evergreen High School, and holds degrees from Seattle University and Boston College.

Jenniffer Reinig, Executive Director of Teaching, Learning & Leadership

Email: Jenniffer.Reinig@highlineschools.org

Jenniffer oversees Highline's efforts to ensure each child is provided with the level of support and challenge that he or she needs to meet their fullest potential through programs like Special Education, Highly Capable Programming, Social Emotional Learning and PreK & Elementary Success. Contact Jenniffer regarding Highline's efforts related to Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS) and inclusive practices.

Rebekah Kim, Executive Director of Teaching, Learning and Leadership

Email:  rebekah.kim@highlineschools.org

Rebekah supports and supervises two teams: data and assessment, and personalized learning. She supports the data and assessment team in providing accessible and efficient data to schools and outside organizations, and guides the coordination and communication with schools and departments to support program needs. Rebekah supports personalized learning in the differentiation of instructional strategies, resources and digital tools. She ensures schools have the professional training, content knowledge and support needed to effectively implement strategies around digital and media literacy.

Ben Gauyan, Instructional Leadership Executive Director

Email: benjamin.gauyan@highlineschools.org

As an Instructional Leadership Executive Director (ILED), Ben supervises, strengthens and supports the leadership of school administrators.  He works with principals for continuous improvement in teaching and learning, including the implementation of strong practices for accelerating student achievement and the cultivation of positive, productive school climates that nurture joyful, purposeful, and inclusive learning for all students. Ben also provides professional development to school leaders, engage in performance and evidence-based evaluations, and collaborate around the priorities of each school’s Annual Action Plan. 

Ben serves the following schools: Cascade, Pacific, Sylvester, Puget Sound Skills Center, Puget Sound High School, Highline Virtual Academy, Maritime High School, Waskowitz, WELS, Evergreen, Mount Rainier

Laurie Morrison, Instructional Leadership Executive Director

Email: laura.morrison@highlineschools.org

As an Instructional Leadership Executive Director (ILED), Laurie supervises, strengthens and supports the leadership of school administrators.  She works with principals for continuous improvement in teaching and learning, including the implementation of strong practices for accelerating student achievement and the cultivation of positive, productive school climates that nurture joyful, purposeful, and inclusive learning for all students. Laurie also provides professional development to school leaders, engage in performance and evidence-based evaluations, and collaborate around the priorities of each school’s Annual Action Plan. 

Laurie serves the following schools: Beverly Park, Cedarhurst, Gregory Heights, Hazel Valley, Mount View, Seahurst, Shorewood, Southern Heights, White Center Heights and Valley View.

Pete Misner, Instructional Leadership Executive Director

Email: pete.misner@highlineschools.org

As an Instructional Leadership Executive Director (ILED), Pete supervises, strengthens and supports the leadership of school administrators.  He works with principals for continuous improvement in teaching and learning, including the implementation of strong practices for accelerating student achievement and the cultivation of positive, productive school climates that nurture joyful, purposeful, and inclusive learning for all students. Pete also provides professional development to school leaders, engage in performance and evidence-based evaluations, and collaborate around the priorities of each school’s Annual Action Plan. 

Pete serves the following schools: Bow Lake, Des Moines, Hilltop, Madrona, Marvista, McMicken Heights, Midway, North Hill and Parkside. 

Jacqueline Downey, Instructional Leadership Executive Director

Email: jacqueline.downey@highlineschools.org

As an Instructional Leadership Executive Director (ILED), Jacqueline supervises, strengthens and supports the leadership of school administrators.  She works with principals for continuous improvement in teaching and learning, including the implementation of strong practices for accelerating student achievement and the cultivation of positive, productive school climates that nurture joyful, purposeful, and inclusive learning for all students. Jacqueline also provides professional development to school leaders, engage in performance and evidence-based evaluations, and collaborate around the priorities of each school’s Annual Action Plan. 

Jacqueline serves the following schools: Chinook, Glacier, CHOICE Academy, Big Picture, New Start, Raisbeck Aviation, Highline, Tyee