Her Story
About Jennifer
Jennifer Ervin is a special education teacher with more than two decades of experience in public and private education settings. She began her career as a schoolteacher in 2003 and has since served in roles including assistant principal at a charter school in Tampa, Florida. Ervin earned her undergraduate degree from the University of Rio Grande in Ohio, followed by a master's in special education and an EDS to EDD pathway, culminating in a doctorate in educational leadership from Liberty University. Her professional focus centers on special education instruction, overseeing state and ACT assessments, mentoring and leading educators, and developing online education programs. She works full-time with Connections Academy, an online program, while also overseeing educational leadership coursework for private Christian organizations and teaching online professional development courses. Ervin attributes her success to her Christian faith and values transparency, individual dignity and liberty, and building others up without closing opportunities. She advises young professionals to stand firm in their values and beliefs while persevering in their roles.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Jennifer
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success first and foremost to my Christian faith, casting all my anxieties and cares on God so that everything is for His glory. A key piece of advice from my father was to treat everyone with the same respect, from the custodian to the leader of the organization, because everyone has a purpose and role.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I have received is to cast all anxieties on God and trust in Him above all, and from my father to treat every person with equal dignity and respect regardless of their position or title.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice is to never break down or step down from who you are, never set aside your values, stand strong for those values and beliefs, and you will be put in positions where those values and skill sets will be rewarded. Perseverance is critical, but focus on being strong in your positions rather than on gender barriers.
04What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me are serving my Creator and Christ above all, the dignity and liberty of every individual, transparency in all interactions, and a commitment to building people up and opening doors of opportunity for others without closing any paths.
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