Dr. Connell dedicated over 35 years in K-12 public education and served as a high school teacher, counselor, program specialist for staff development, director of curriculum and instruction, high school principal, chief academic officer, and superintendent. She has served in diverse school environments including small to large size districts and schools; rural, suburban, and urban settings; and students from low to high poverty backgrounds. Dr. Connell has served in leadership roles at the local, district, state, and national levels. She has participated in educational reform initiatives through The Schlechty Center for Leadership in School Reform, Cornerstone Literacy, Inc., Southern Regional Educational Board (SREB), and Race to the Top.