Jennifer Halter
Dr. Jennifer Halter currently serves as the Principal of Clay High School. In 2021, Clay County District Schools named her Principal of the Year, and the State of Florida honored her as Florida’s 2021 Principal of the Year.
Dr. Halter is a nineteen-year veteran educator who began her career as an eighth-grade English teacher at Orange Park Junior High School. In 2015, Dr. Halter was appointed Assistant Principal at Green Cove Springs Junior High (GCJ), and two years later, she was promoted to Principal. During her six years as an administrator for GCJ, the school grade increased from 64% to 70%, earning an “A” designation by the Florida Department of Education. GCJ was named a School of Excellence, a Best and Brightest School, and also earned a PBIS Gold Award.
In 2021, Dr. Halter was appointed Principal of Clay High School and is in her fourth year as a proud Clay Blue Devil. During that time, she worked with the CHS staff to raise student achievement in reading, math, science, and industry certifications. Last year, Clay High earned an A rating, increasing the school grade each year from a 52% C in 2021 to a 65% A, and had historic learning gains in reading and math. Clay High is ranked number one in lower quartile learning gains for the district in reading among high schools.
Dr. Halter's leadership extends beyond her school roles. She serves as Past-President of the Florida Association of Secondary School Administrators, representing secondary school principals at the state and national levels. Her advocacy for school leaders, teachers, and students is unwavering, and she continues to be a fierce advocate for education across our state.
Recently, she earned her doctorate in Educational Leadership from the University of North Florida. She leads professional development on Educational Leadership, high impact strategies, how to have crucial conversations. She serves on the Teaching and Learning Board for the University of North Florida, on the board for the Women’s Empowerment Council for the Clay County Chamber of Commerce, and as a board member of the Clay Education Foundation, and is a member of the 100 Women who Love Clay Foundation. Dr. Halter is also a member of Leadership Florida Education Class 6.
In her free time, Dr. Halter plays violin in the "Five Good Years" band for charity events and spends time with her family. Her husband, Jon, is the Dean of Students at Green Cove Springs Junior High, and her daughters Alyssa and Emily attend Clay County Schools.
