Jennifer Fuller plays a crucial role in the development of Arlington Collegiate High School, a unique four-year-old partnership with Tarrant County College. Designed for students who would not otherwise consider attending college, the school provides the opportunity to earn a high school diploma and dual-credit (up to an associate degree) within four years. The unique campus, with 88% of students eligible for free or reduced lunch, creates a seamless transition between high school and college. The class of 2018 will be the first to graduate and Fuller’s leadership beyond the English classroom leads to both school and individual student achievement.
Fuller continuously varies her approach to teach the essential elements of English to sophomores, and now juniors, through group work, presentations, discussions, and extensive reading and writing. Her instruction prompts critical thinking and problem-solving as students explore concepts culturally relevant to their development. Fuller’s collaborative strategies provide the necessary support for students to reach and excel above the academic expectations she sets. As a result, her classes have received the highest end-of-course exam scores in the district for two consecutive years. For 2016-17, the school earned a 98% passing rate versus the state average rate of 62%.
As English Department Level Leader, Fuller also serves as a site-based Decision Making Committee member, student council sponsor and Early College High School Partnership Council school representative. She is a peer coach to colleagues and conducts local and national staff development training as an AVID teacher and presenter, sharing key strategies that English and other subject teachers can employ in their classrooms. Her expertise in curriculum writing and content knowledge benefits the school as well as the Arlington Independent School District, one of the largest in the nation. Always seeking ways to close the achievement gap and make college accessible, Fuller was instrumental in the success in the African American Male Initiative, a pilot program started with a grant from AVID, that continues to be successful on her previous campus today.
Fuller earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in English in 2001 from Texas Christian University and a Master of Education from the University of Texas at Arlington in 2003.
Press release: Arlington ISD Teacher Jennifer Fuller Receives $25,000 Milken Educator Award
"Teaching is much more than just the skills I develop..." (read more)
