Fayth Jenkins leads Innovation Academy SRQ with a focus on equity and student growth

Fayth Jenkins, Head of School at Innovation Academy SRQ in Sarasota, is being highlighted for more than 20 years of leadership centered on whole-child development, community partnerships, and equitable learning. Her work reflects a broader push to expand innovative education, especially for underserved students and families.

Why it matters: - Fayth Jenkins’ leadership reflects a model of school leadership centered on academic, social, and emotional support for students. - Her work at Innovation Academy SRQ focuses on access, equity, and learning experiences that connect classrooms to real-world outcomes. - Her emphasis on underserved students and families speaks to broader challenges in education around resources, representation, and opportunity.

What happened: - Influential Women highlighted Fayth Jenkins, Head of School at Innovation Academy SRQ in Sarasota, Florida, on July 22, 2026. - Jenkins has more than 20 years of experience in education. - Her career has included roles as classroom teacher, project-based learning coordinator, dean of students, elementary school principal, and Head of School. - She began her work in early childhood learning environments and later moved into elementary and middle school settings, including K–8 charter schools.

The details: - Jenkins oversees staffing, compliance, safety, instructional support, and strategic planning at Innovation Academy SRQ. - She also works to build stronger relationships between the school and the surrounding community. - Her leadership centers on project-based learning, student voice, and whole-child development. - Innovation Academy SRQ has expanded its focus on health and wellness, the arts, and innovative learning environments under her leadership. - Jenkins has supported outdoor and experiential learning spaces that connect instruction to real-world experiences. - She earned a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from the University of South Florida. - She also holds a master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Concordia University Nebraska. - Jenkins serves on multiple boards, including AMIkids, the National Math Foundation, and Suncoast Women of Action. - She has participated in Leadership Florida and the Chancellor’s Leadership Academy with the Florida Department of Education. - In 2024, the Florida Consortium of Public Charter Schools recognized her as a Champion Charter School Leader. - Her profile includes a public page at her Influential Women profile.

Between the lines: - Jenkins’ comments on failure point to a leadership style built on resilience, reflection, and adaptation. - Her emphasis on collaboration suggests she sees school improvement as a shared effort, not a solo role. - Her focus on women of color in leadership highlights an ongoing gap in education leadership pipelines. - Her interest in mathematics pathways suggests she sees math access as a lever for student opportunity and future leadership.

What's next: - Jenkins says stronger community partnerships and targeted support for underserved students could expand access to meaningful learning opportunities. - She continues to push for greater visibility and support in mathematics education. - Her broader mission remains centered on empowering students, supporting educators, and building stronger communities through student-centered schooling.

The bottom line: - Fayth Jenkins is using school leadership to push for more equitable, connected, and experiential education at Innovation Academy SRQ.