Speakers
Janet Dinnen
Authorizers
This session, led by the Colorado Charter School Institute (CSI), offers practical guidance and inspiration for new applicants and existing operators to develop innovative educational models. Participants will explore how CSI’s flexible authorizing process, tailored support, and focus on unique success metrics can help schools design programs that meet diverse community needs and achieve lasting impact.
My name is Janet Dinnen and I have been with CSI serving in a variety of capacities since 2013. In my current role as Chief of Staff, I oversee our Communications and HR Teams and the data quality and reporting initiatives of our Data Submissions Team. I also support with legislative and regulatory monitoring and provide operational support to our Leadership Team and Executive Director.
I have worked in the charter sector for over 15 years. Prior to CSI, I was a secondary teacher and member of an administrative team at a Colorado Springs charter school. Prior to that, I worked with a charter management organization and a charter authorizer in Ohio. I received my bachelor’s degree in Secondary Education and my master’s degree in Measurement, Evaluation, Statistics and Assessment.
I love working at CSI because I believe in its mission, its ability and willingness to adapt to meet the changing needs of our schools and their communities, and its culture of continuous improvement. And importantly, I enjoy the diverse portfolio of schools, partners, and team I have the opportunity to work with.
My name is Terry Croy Lewis, and I have served as the Executive Director of the Colorado Charter School Institute (CSI) since 2016. Moreover, I contribute to state and national organizations as a member of the National Association of Charter School Authorizers (NACSA) Strategic Advising Council, and as a board member of the Colorado Association of Charter School Authorizers (CACSA) and the American Academy of Liberal Education (AALE).
Before joining CSI, I served as the Vice President of School Quality and Support at the Colorado League of Charter Schools. I was also a founder of High Point Academy (HPA), which opened in 2006, and I served as the Executive Director/Principal at HPA for eight years.
Prior to my work with HPA, I contributed to the development of several other charter schools in Colorado, both as an independent consultant and as a consultant with a national organization focused on creating new charter schools. In 1997, I helped found my first charter school, Platte River Academy.
With over 25 years of experience in the charter school sector, I have worked in urban, suburban, and rural communities, serving in various capacities such as authorizer, founder, school leader, governing board member, and consultant. Additionally, I earned my doctoral degree from the University of Maryland and have taught at several universities in Colorado, Maryland, and Illinois.