Fayth Jenkins leads Innovation Academy SRQ with a focus on equity and student-centered learning

Fayth Jenkins, head of school at Innovation Academy SRQ in Sarasota, has spent more than 20 years advancing whole-child education, community partnerships, and access for underserved students. Her leadership is drawing recognition for combining innovation, equity, and schoolwide student support.

Why it matters: - Fayth Jenkins leads a Sarasota school with a focus on academic, social and emotional support for students. - Her work centers on whole-child development, equity and access for underserved students and families. - Jenkins also pushes community partnerships and experiential learning that connect classrooms to real-world opportunities.

What happened: - Influential Women highlighted Jenkins as a Head of School advancing innovation, equity and student learning. - Jenkins serves as Head of School at Innovation Academy SRQ in Sarasota, Florida. - She 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. - In 2024, Jenkins was recognized as a Champion Charter School Leader by the Florida Consortium of Public Charter Schools.

The details: - Jenkins oversees staffing, compliance, safety, instructional support and strategic planning at Innovation Academy SRQ. - She has focused the school on project-based learning, student voice and whole-child development. - Innovation Academy SRQ has expanded its emphasis on health and wellness, the arts and innovative learning environments. - Jenkins supported outdoor and experiential learning spaces that let students connect lessons to real-world experiences. - Her education includes a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from the University of South Florida and a master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Concordia University Nebraska. - Jenkins serves on the boards of AMIkids, the National Math Foundation and Suncoast Women of Action. - She has also participated in Leadership Florida and the Chancellor’s Leadership Academy with the Florida Department of Education. - The release says Jenkins began her education career in early childhood settings before moving into elementary and middle school leadership, including K–8 charter schools.

Between the lines: - Jenkins’ leadership philosophy reflects a belief that school improvement depends on collaboration with teachers, families, community members and other stakeholders. - Her emphasis on failure as a source of growth suggests a management style built around resilience, mentorship and adaptation. - The release points to broader challenges in education, including limited resources, budget constraints and the underrepresentation of women, especially women of color, in leadership roles. - Jenkins sees stronger math support, targeted help for underserved students and deeper community partnerships as practical paths to better outcomes.

What's next: - Jenkins is expected to keep building partnerships that expand learning opportunities for Innovation Academy SRQ students. - Her continued focus on math pathways, equity and experiential learning suggests more school-community collaboration ahead. - The release frames her work as part of a broader effort to develop future educational leaders and strengthen student success.

The bottom line: - Jenkins is positioning Innovation Academy SRQ as a model for student-centered, community-connected education rooted in equity and innovation.

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