Meet the Team: Dr. Erin Almond

Dr. Erin Almond has more than 15 years of experience in organizational strategy, operations, and college access. As Director of Engagement and Strategic Partnerships, she leads JPEF’s community engagement and partnership strategy and is responsible for implementing efforts that strengthen the network of partnerships advancing the organization’s Future-Ready Strategy.  

What appeals to you about the work JPEF does?

What appeals to me about the work that JPEF does is the opportunity to collaborate with educators, leaders, and the community to promote and support public education. Over the course of my career, I’ve had the opportunity to work with students directly in the classroom and as a college counselor; however, I knew that to have the impact I longed to have; I’d have to be positioned to address some of the more systemic issues that impact public education.  The work of JPEF intersects with many of the experiences and opportunities that I’ve had as an educator, and I’m excited to be able to once again advance, advocate, and directly support public education in the city that I call home. 

Why is public education important to you?

Through the course of attending public schools, I met people who were from different backgrounds, different faiths, spoke different languages - and we learned how to work and be in community together. Every student deserves to have access to an excellent public education that helps them learn, grow, and prepares them for the life they choose. Public schools create a foundation for learning, for opportunity, and democracy.

Who is a teacher who made an impact on you?

• Mrs. Robinson - my 3^rd and 4^th grade teacher was incredible, and being able to loop with her was the most amazing experience.  She was kind and thoughtful, but what I remember most was how she found ways to differentiate learning for me that really pushed me to excel. She also modeled lifelong learning - I think that she received a grant for a laser-disc player (this probably ages me :-) ), and she used it in conjunction with our science lessons. Finally, she created a classroom environment that was safe for learning, and for each student to be themselves. 
• My 8^th Grade Science Teacher (Mr. Kuntzleman) and 8^th Grade History Teacher (Mr. Smithson) were so passionate and made learning fun. Mr. Smithson would tell dynamic stories and would dress up as different figures from North Carolina History. He also taught us how to take notes, and I still use the method he taught us!  We did a lot of experiments in Mr. Kuntzleman’s class - including dissecting a shark. Their passion, excitement, and desire to create meaningful learning experiences for us was evident; and many of my classmates and I are still connected to them via social media today!