Jena Kleindl, a graduate of the University of Phoenix College of Education, has been named the 2025 Outstanding Early Career Educator by the Illinois State Board of Education. The recognition is part of the annual Those Who Excel & Teacher of the Year program.
Kleindl previously worked as an Emmy-nominated television news producer before moving into education in 2021. Since then, she has contributed to her school community by helping redesign the English curriculum for grades 9–12, aiming to address opportunity gaps and improve student proficiency. She also participated in efforts to increase graduation rates through her work with the school’s multi-tier system of supports team. Additionally, Kleindl launched a media production academy pathway that allows students to earn industry certifications and college credit while developing communication skills relevant to various careers.
“Like many of my fellow honorees, I never imagined receiving state-level recognition for my work as an educator,” said Kleindl. “Teaching is often a thankless profession, where some of the most extraordinary educators go unnoticed. That’s why being named the 2025 Outstanding Early Career Educator of the Year by the Illinois State Board of Education was such a profound honor. This recognition has given me a platform I never expected—one that I hope to use to support early career and pre-service teachers as they learn to find balance in the profession. Most importantly, I want to continue empowering students to discover and share their own voices and stories.”
Kleindl completed her graduate certificate at University of Phoenix and credits its flexible programs for supporting her transition into teaching. “University of Phoenix provided the professional training and strong foundation I needed to not only succeed, but to thrive,” she said. “With the knowledge and confidence I gained, I was able to reimagine my school’s 9–12 English curriculum to help close the opportunity gap and launch a student journalism program that equips the next generation of communicators and leaders. The University of Phoenix gave me the tools, but more importantly, the belief that I could transform my passion into impact.”
Dr. Pamela Roggeman, dean of the College of Education at University of Phoenix, commented on Kleindl’s achievements: “Jena Kleindl’s story is one we’re incredibly proud to share,” she said. “She brings real-world experience into the classroom and uses it to create meaningful opportunities for her students. Her recognition by the Illinois State Board of Education speaks to the kind of impact educators can have when they’re well-prepared, passionate and deeply committed. We’re honored to have supported her path into teaching.”
The University’s College of Education offers flexible online degree programs along with resources like its “Prepping for Student Teaching Success” course aimed at helping future teachers gain practical classroom experience. These initiatives are intended to help address teacher shortages across the country by preparing career changers, adult learners, and student teachers for success in today’s educational environment.
