Megan Connors was born in Jacksonville, FL, and raised in St. John’s County, from which she is a proud public-school graduate. After earning her bachelor’s degree in public policy from Stanford University and her master’s degree in teaching from Columbia University, Megan taught high school social studies for seven years in Brooklyn, New York. As an educator, she developed her school’s AP Human Geography program, created curricular resources for New York City’s AP for All initiative, led student recruitment efforts, and served as a teacher’s union delegate. These experiences deepened her appreciation for public school educators, while further illuminating the systemic barriers that prevent too many students from achieving academic and professional success. This awareness ultimately inspired her to return to the world of policy.

While earning her Master of Public Policy (MPP) from the University of Michigan, Megan supported a major, mixed-methods research project that studied the impact of a federal housing grant on educational outcomes. She also completed an internship for the City of Jacksonville’s Office of Resilience, where she led its Green Schools Initiative. This resulted in a data-driven plan to increase tree canopy on high-priority public-school campuses in Duval County. That plan has since gained support from the Jacksonville Tree Commission and begun implementation.

Megan is excited to once again bring her talents to Jacksonville as she leads and supports research projects related to literacy, post-secondary outcomes, and future-ready schools for the Jacksonville Public Education Fund. She is passionate about the potential for place-based, cross-sectional solutions to promote economic mobility and help more people achieve their version of a “good life.” Her version includes traveling the world, practicing yoga, cooking for family and friends, and spending time with her niece and nephew (preferably at the beach!).