Our monthly employee spotlight series highlights the experiences and achievements of the incredible individuals driving innovation and excellence at Education First. Ann Duffy, Principal, shares her passion for problem-solving, highlights the transformative power of communities of practice and affirms her dedication to applying equity lenses as a project leader.
Can you share your name, role and the home team that you’re on?
My name is Ann Duffy and I have been with Education First for 13 years. I’m a Principal on the Effective Organizations and Investments (EOI) home team. When home teams were created, I was initially assigned to the Engaged Students team because I was working closely on social and emotional learning projects. Home teams are great because they allow for more consistent collaboration and have fostered better stability of relationships within the firm.
What does a “day in the life” look like for you?
My day typically involves connecting with colleagues and clients. As a project leader, I collaborate with team members for planning and problem-solving, and engage with clients to advance our work. Much of my time is spent in virtual meetings, attending client sessions, and team calls. I also focus on networking and client outreach, which keeps me current in the field. Additionally, I work on project-specific tasks such as preparing deliverables and agendas. While I sometimes work independently, I really enjoy working with others- and enjoy frequent collaboration, which is an integral part of my role.
What feels most exciting about your work? What is most challenging?
What excites me most is problem-solving with clients and facilitating communities of practice. A community of practice unites individuals who share a common interest or goal, such as working on social emotional learning or implementing the science of reading, within their respective organizations. It provides a platform for diverse individuals from different organizations to gather and learn collectively, outside the confines of their own workplaces.
This approach is powerful for learning, particularly for adults who are juggling numerous responsibilities. By joining forces with others who share similar challenges and objectives, participants can tap into a wealth of collective wisdom and experience to enhance their own professional growth and development. I am passionate about creating collaborative learning experiences and find immense joy in bringing people together to learn and engage in meaningful conversations.
I also find fulfillment in my own learning journey. While my expertise initially focused on principal preparation and development, I have expanded into new and relevant areas that matter to schools today. This evolution has allowed me to stay at the forefront of educational innovation.
The most challenging aspect of my role is managing time effectively to ensure I have enough time for deep thinking, which is critical for our clients. Achieving the right balance is crucial.
What sets Education First apart from other organizations, and what motivates you to remain part of it?
I was initially drawn to Education First by the people, the nimbleness and the innovative work. These qualities have remained, even as the organization has grown. The culture of innovation and learning, combined with a willingness to take on new challenges and reflect on core values, creates a vibrant and inspiring work environment. I continue to be motivated by the engaging and challenging work and my inspiring colleagues.
We’re committed to race, inclusion, diversity and equity (RIDE) at Education First. How does this commitment manifest in your project work and role? How do you ensure it remains a central focus in conversations?
I am deeply indebted to Education First because I have grown in my own journey around understanding RIDE. It has really challenged me to be more engaged in the conversation and to put my beliefs and values into practice. Education First is not just supportive of that but challenges us as leaders to do so. So, I’m very grateful.
RIDE shows up in our work through diverse teams, which lead to better decision-making and innovative solutions. As a leader, I ensure inclusive project participation by creating comfortable spaces for everyone to express themselves. We have communication routines to support this. We also emphasize an equity lens from the start of our projects, helping clients examine their RIDE practices. This sometimes means turning down clients if our values don’t align. We’ve developed protocols, rubrics and professional learning to engage in equity practices effectively.
We set clear equity goals for each project, ensuring diverse representation and participation. Our core practices include listening to those most affected by the issues, ensuring voices from different races, classes and gender identifications are heard. Applying an equity lens requires constant commitment, but it’s integral to our work.
How do you incorporate regular equity checkpoints at various project milestones to ensure fairness and inclusivity?
As a project lead, I ensure structured checkpoints by setting expectations at the project’s outset, conducting regular progress assessments, and engaging in final reviews with both internal teams and clients. Establishing equity commitment statements and norms helps align understanding and progress throughout the project.
What is one of your favorite Education First moments?
I have so many great moments at Education First! Some of my favorite moments have been during convenings or community meetings where the team created amazing learning experiences. One cherished moment was after a challenging strategic planning meeting with a client. My colleague and I found a quiet spot behind the library to debrief, and I felt incredibly supported. Another memorable moment was facilitating a learning lab on the science of reading with Josh Parker, who so inspired the audience, they kept a list of “Josh quotes” to share with their colleagues at home. The engagement and learning during that session made me proud to be part of Education First.
