Megan Connors

Megan Connors, Senior Manager of Data and Research, is a Jacksonville native and proud St. Johns County public school graduate. She taught high school social studies in Brooklyn for seven years before earning a Master of Public Policy from the University of Michigan, where she contributed to research on housing and educational outcomes. She also led the City of Jacksonville’s Green Schools Initiative, developing a data-driven plan to increase tree canopy at Duval County public schools. Her work brings classroom experience and research expertise to JPEF.

WHAT APPEALS TO YOU ABOUT THE WORK THAT JPEF DOES? 

As a teacher, I was able to work directly with students and witness the impact I made on their education each and every day. But I was also frustrated by my inability to influence many of the larger systems that often made it difficult for them to show up to school ready to learn. As a researcher, I was able to focus on the bigger, systems-level picture, but felt too far removed from the students whose lives I was hoping to improve. 

With JPEF, I love that I’m able to conduct research that is deeply rooted in (my hometown!) community—directly responding to its needs, strengths, and opportunities. JPEF’s role as a connector and convenor also means we can share our research directly with those who have the authority to make positive changes and improve the education ecosystem for all learners. 

WHY IS PUBLIC EDUCATION IMPORTANT TO YOU? 

I believe public education is the foundation upon which America’s democracy is built. At their best, public schools distribute opportunity by giving all students the chance to build skills and hone talents that will open doors and help them build their version of a good life. But they are also where we learn how to work together and be in community with people who are often quite different from ourselves. To achieve both individual and collective progress, I believe high-quality public schools are essential. 

TELL US ABOUT A TEACHER WHO REALLY IMPACTED YOU: 

How can I pick just one! I have been blessed by so many impactful public-school teachers throughout my life. My second-grade teacher, Ms. Esser, was the first to show me how much fun learning could be. My middle school language arts teacher, Mr. Coghlan, made an indelible impact on my love of literature and development as a writer. And my AP Human Geography teacher, Ms. Walsh, inspired my own decision to pursue education and become an AP Human Geography teacher myself!