For 20 years, Courtney Fenner has been making a difference at Colonial Intermediate Unit 20. After spending eight years as a Life Skills Support teacher, she transitioned to Training and Consulting, where she is now in her 12th year supporting educators and school staff.
For Courtney, the most rewarding part of her work is building relationships and serving others. Whether supporting individual classroom staff or helping schools make systems-level changes, she approaches her role with compassion and understanding.
"I genuinely believe most people are doing the best they can with the tools and capacity they have at that time," Courtney shared. "Showing compassion to others and meeting them where they are while encouraging growth has helped me across roles and experiences."
One of Courtney's most meaningful experiences came as a classroom teacher, when she used district curriculum to teach phonics to students with cognitive disabilities, challenging assumptions about their abilities. Seeing their progress reinforced a belief she carries throughout her career: "Presuming competence has never failed me."
"Courtney is so dedicated to students and IU 20," said Dr. Keri Ramsay, Assistant Director of Professional Learning and Curriculum. "She supports programs like TES, Life Skills, MDS/PS with coaching. She has agreed to take on the lead for Social Emotional Wellness and is doing such a wonderful job! She is a great teammate and hard worker who always tries to be kind and stay positive even in the face of a challenge."
Courtney's advice to new IU 20 employees reflects the philosophy that has guided her throughout her career: "Stay true to your values, get connected in your building, and remind yourself: progress over perfection."