Biography

Jill Francis has been an educator for over 25 years and has spent the last three years as an instructional coach supporting high school science and mathematics teachers in Rutherford County Schools. She previously taught Biology, Honors Biology, Advanced Placement Biology, and AP Environmental Science to 9th-12th grade students at CHASE High School. Previously, she served as the Rutherford County Schools secondary science instructional coach for two years after teaching biology at CHASE High for eight years and seventh grade science at RS Middle School for one year. Jill helps plan meaningful professional development experiences for all secondary science teachers in Rutherford County Schools and works to support teachers and students across the district. She has served as a member of her state Superintendent’s teacher advisory council, created instructional units for the Governor’s teacher network, served as the teacher representative on the North Carolina Cognia State Advisory Council, was a Kenan Fellow, and currently serves as the District 8 Director for the North Carolina Science Teachers Association. She was selected as the CHASE High School, Rutherford County Schools, and 2013 North Carolina Western Region Teacher of the Year. Jill earned a B.S., cum laude, in biology with secondary education certification from Appalachian State University and an M.A.Ed. in science education from East Carolina University. She is a National Board Certified Teacher in science/adolescence and young adulthood and holds certifications in grades 9–12 science and biology.