Kent Pekel
Rochester Public Schools
San Diego, CA USA
"Relationships in your life are like the roots of a tree. When you have strong roots, you can grow and thrive and withstand the storms life throws at you. Take care of your roots."
Career Roadmap
Kent's work combines: Education, Business, and Teaching / Mentoring
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Day In The Life
Skills &
Education
Here's the path I took:
High School
Bachelor's Degree
East Asian Studies
Yale University
Graduate Degree
Education
Harvard University
Doctorate
Education
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities
Life & Career Milestones
My path in life took a while to figure out
1.
I started my career as a high school teacher.
2.
After teaching for a while, I ended up moving to Washington, DC, to work in foreign policy and foreign affairs for the CIA.
3.
I then decided to focus back on challenges in the U.S., the biggest of which is the quality of education we’re providing to our kids.
4.
I earned both a master’s and doctorate in education.
5.
I spent 15 years in education research, first at the University of Minnesota and then at a research organization called Search Institute.
6.
I eventually decided that it was time to stop studying education and actually apply what I had learned, so I applied to become superintendent.
7.
I’m currently serving as the superintendent of schools for Rochester Public Schools in Minnesota.
Defining Moments
Experiences and challenges that shaped me
My first wife died of cancer, leaving me as a single dad of three kids. It changed everything for me. At the time, I didn't think I'd be able to get through it. But I did get through, thanks to strong relationships with my support network.