ASPIRA, Inc. of Pennsylvania
Jen Portante has extensive experience in education, currently serving as a 7th grade Language Arts teacher at John B. Stetson Middle School since September 2011. In this role, Jen acts as the team leader and ELA content lead for the 7th grade, mentors other teachers, and co-leads summer and after-school enrichment programs. Previous experience includes teaching and tutoring at Northeast High School, student teaching through a graduate program at the University of Pennsylvania, and serving as a substitute teacher in Plainville Community Schools. Jen's educational background comprises a Master's degree in English Education from the University of Pennsylvania and a Bachelor's degree in English and Philosophy from La Salle University.
ASPIRA, Inc. of Pennsylvania
ASPIRA, Inc. of Pennsylvania is a community-based organization serving underprivileged youth through high-quality, need-based education, public advocacy, and other programs dedicated to empowering communities from within. We primarily serve Latino and other vulnerable youth in North Philadelphia, specifically in the Hunting Park, Kensington, and Olney communities. ASPIRA of PA was formed in 1969 as the local extension of the national ASPIRA Association started just eight years earlier by Antonia Pantoja. Since founding Eugenio Maria de Hostos Charter School in 1998, we have earned the management of Olney Charter High School and John B. Stetson Charter School, and opened ASPIRA Bilingual Cyber Charter School and Antonia Pantoja Charter School. “Leadership through education” isn’t just a motto. It’s what guides our mission to empower the next generation of local community leaders which — with the right knowledge and outlook — every young person has the potential to become.