Dr. Tracey Severns

Dr. Tracey Severns has served as a paraprofessional, special education teacher, vice principal, principal, director of student performance, superintendent and Chief Academic Officer for the NJDOE.
Dr. Severns is a nationally recognized presenter who has provided professional development on evidence-centered leadership, data analysis, systems thinking, PLCs, assessment literacy, student engagement, special education, educational equity, and school improvement. In 2009, she was selected as one of eight principals to represent the US in Brazil as part of an international leadership exchange program.
In 2011, Dr. Severns received the Middle Level Leadership Award and was selected as New Jersey’s Visionary Principal of the Year. In the same year, she was named a National Distinguished Principal. In 2012, while Principal of Mt. Olive Middle School, her school was named a National School of Change, one of only six schools in the US to receive this distinguished honor. In 2014, Dr. Severns was named Educator of the Year by the Peace Islands Institute and was awarded an honorary Doctorate in Public Service from Georgian Court University.
In 2024, Dr. Severns started taking comedy lessons. Since then, she has done stand-up for various educator audiences. Her presentation, “Let’s Laugh: How to Bring Joy Back to Schools” has become one of the most sought-out sessions at professional conferences.
Dr. Severns is a published author who has written articles about leadership and learning. Her first book, Mistakes, Missteps, Missed Opportunities: Lived Lessons from the Real World of Educational Leaders is currently in publication.