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Kent Pekel
Kent Pekel
01:02

Kent Pekel

Rochester Public Schools

San Diego, CA USA

"Relationships in your life are like the roots of a tree. When you have strong roots, you can grow and thrive and withstand the storms life throws at you. Take care of your roots."

Career Roadmap

Kent's work combines: Education, Business, and Teaching / Mentoring

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Day In The Life

Superintendent

I oversee operations for the school district in Rochester, Minnesota.

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Day In The Life Of A Superintendent

Skills & Education

Here's the path I took:

  • High School

  • Bachelor's Degree

    East Asian Studies

    Yale University

  • Graduate Degree

    Education

    Harvard University

  • Doctorate

    Education

    University of Minnesota-Twin Cities

Life & Career Milestones

My path in life took a while to figure out

  • 1.

    I started my career as a high school teacher.

  • 2.

    After teaching for a while, I ended up moving to Washington, DC, to work in foreign policy and foreign affairs for the CIA.

  • 3.

    I then decided to focus back on challenges in the U.S., the biggest of which is the quality of education we’re providing to our kids.

  • 4.

    I earned both a master’s and doctorate in education.

  • 5.

    I spent 15 years in education research, first at the University of Minnesota and then at a research organization called Search Institute.

  • 6.

    I eventually decided that it was time to stop studying education and actually apply what I had learned, so I applied to become superintendent.

  • 7.

    I’m currently serving as the superintendent of schools for Rochester Public Schools in Minnesota.

Defining Moments

Experiences and challenges that shaped me

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  • My first wife died of cancer, leaving me as a single dad of three kids. It changed everything for me. At the time, I didn't think I'd be able to get through it. But I did get through, thanks to strong relationships with my support network.