Leland Jennings

Leland Jennings is a dedicated and forward-thinking educational leader who currently serves as Principal of Shields Elementary School in the Swan Valley School District. He leads a thriving Pre-K–2 building of nearly 450 students, where his leadership is characterized by warmth, inclusivity, and an unwavering commitment to high expectations. Colleagues describe him as “innovative and creative, always thinking outside the box in his approach to learning and leading.”

Jennings is known for his ability to balance academic rigor with social-emotional support, ensuring that every student’s needs are met both academically and personally. This same philosophy extends to his staff. While teaching and learning remain central to the school’s mission, Jennings believes that strong relationships and a positive culture are what truly drive success. He works intentionally alongside staff to create a workplace where they feel supported, valued, and inspired to bring their best every day, often through team-building activities, occasional tomfoolery, and celebrations.

Beyond his building, Jennings has made a significant district-wide impact through his participation and leadership on various committees, including the Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) Committee. He authored a comprehensive district guidebook to ensure consistent, high-quality student support across all elementary buildings, and he played a key role in transforming Swan Valley’s elementary structure from traditional K–5 schools into the stratified buildings they are today. In helping to lead this transition, he successfully merged two staffs and developed new systems and programming for early learners.

Working collaboratively with the district’s special education director and leaders from neighboring districts, Jennings also helped establish a highly successful Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) program. The program’s success led both districts to create their own independent ECSE programs, expanding early intervention services and improving outcomes for young learners with diverse needs.

Outside of school, Leland and his wife, Jennifer, are the proud parents of four children: Norah, Everett, Harrison, and Maye. He enjoys attending (and occasionally coaching) his children’s sporting events, traveling with his family, listening to music, reading, and spending time with his kids. As busy as life is, he looks forward to the time when things slow down just enough to savor it all.

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