Jake Russell

Cahn Fellow 2019

Principal, Chamberlain High School

Tampa, Florida

Jake Russell began his career in 1994 as a Social Studies teacher in Hillsborough County. In 2000, after 6 years in the classroom, he moved into administration as an Assistant Principal. Jake was named the Principal at Sickles High School in 2005. Under his leadership, Sickles earned an A grade 10 out of the 12 years he was principal. In June of 2017, Mr. Russell was offered the principalship at Chamberlain High School. Chamberlain was a D-rated school in 2016 and 2017 and the lowest-performing school in Hillsborough County. Chamberlain serves a diverse population where 87% of the students receive free and reduced lunch. In 2018, after Mr. Russell's first year, Chamberlain improved to a C growing from 368 earned points to 509. Turn around leadership has become his passion, and he looks forward to continued professional growth.