Jordan Ahrend

Jordan Kea Ahrend is a passionate educator and administrator dedicated to enhancing teacher preparation and clinical practice. With over eight years as the Director of Clinical Practice and Residency at Southeastern Louisiana University, she and her team developed comprehensive clinical education programs and established strong partnerships with regional stakeholders. Her current efforts focus on improving educational quality and outcomes for aspiring teachers and their future students.

Jordan has collaborated with US PREP on various projects, including curriculum and content development, toolkit creation, and transformation. Known for her teamwork and willingness to support others, she brings a collaborative spirit to all her endeavors.

As a mother of two and a member of a family of educators, Jordan values education deeply. She believes that every student deserves exceptional educational opportunities and access to highly trained teachers.

She holds two Master’s degrees—an M.A. in Cultural Anthropology and an M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction. These credentials have sharpened her skills in strategic planning and collaborative teamwork, positioning her to contribute meaningfully to US PREP's innovative initiatives in teacher residencies and university-school partnerships.

In her personal life, Jordan cherishes time with her family, enjoying board games with her daughters and spouse, being an enthusiastic dance mom, cycling on her Peloton, and supporting her youngest aspiring gymnast in her pursuit of excellence.

Throughout her career, Jordan has been actively involved in numerous educational initiatives, including curriculum design for US PREP, grant administration, and serving on committees focused on teacher certification and education policy. Her expertise in integrating enhanced partnerships has earned her recognition, and she has presented at national conferences on teacher preparation and clinical practice.

Jordan’s professional accomplishments include being named a Clinical Practice Fellow by the National Association for Professional Development Schools and serving on the Clinical Practice Advisory Board for the National Council for Teacher Quality. Her ongoing work continues to shape teacher education programs and enhance clinical experiences for future educators.