Episode Summary:

Michelle Kang - CEO of the Early Education organization “NAEYC” (National Association for the Education of Young Children) - has had a career arc that she describes as unexpected yet deeply rewarding. In their conversation, Jeana explores what Michelle is observing for the present and future in the field across the country.

Michelle describes how she is constantly inspired by the passion early educators bring to their work and her commitments to the goals of improving support for teachers and administrators and working to further spread the message about the vital importance of high quality early learning. Michelle also relates as a mom herself she experienced firsthand how early education programs can make a profound and lasting difference.

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Produced by the Saul Zaentz Charitable Foundation.

NAEYC: https://www.naeyc.org

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About Jeana Ross:

Jeana Ross is a lifelong educator who believes that early childhood education is a key component of a strong economy at state and national levels. As former Secretary of Alabama’s Department of Early Childhood Education, Jeana led successful efforts to grow the state’s early learning program which earned consecutive recognition as the nation’s best throughout her term. Recently, Jeana was elected to the Alabama House where she intends to prioritize education. In addition, Jeana joined the Saul Zaentz Charitable Foundation as its Strategic Advisor on Early Education Policy & Practice, where she works with policymakers, nonprofit organizations, funders, and practitioners to support the early education workforce and advocate for increased funding for high-quality early childhood education.