Jennifer Pérez

Engagement Coordinator, NWRI Region 4

407.312.4310 • jenniferperez2@coe.ufl.edu

Jennifer Pérez serves as the Engagement Coordinator for Region 4 (South-Central Florida) at the New Worlds Reading, Lastinger Center for Learning. In this role, Jennifer is responsible for engaging with families and communities who are enrolled in NWRI. As part of the Engagement Team, Jennifer works to identify ways to build intentional relationships, partner with different communities, and partner with families.

Jennifer Pérez began her career as a classroom teacher at Midway Elementary School of the Arts and as an intensive reading teacher at Sanford Middle School Magnet. Jennifer actively participated in many school functions including being the SAC’s secretary for nine years, mentoring incoming sixth graders and tutoring students in afterschool and summer programs. Jennifer used singing, dancing, and storytelling to enrich the learning experience for her students. Jennifer later served as a reading specialist at Just Read, Florida! with the Florida Department of Education. In this role, she supported Florida’s literacy initiatives, including championing for readers through the New Worlds Reading Initiative, assisting districts with their Comprehensive Evidence-Based Reading Plan and supporting and ensuring district compliance for grant approvals.

Jennifer holds a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and a master’s degree in Reading from the University of Central Florida. She is bilingual and certified in Elementary Education and possess English for Speakers of Other Languages, Reading and Literacy Coach endorsements. In her free time, Jennifer enjoys traveling with her family and finding the next great read to share with her book club.