Her Story
About Jill
Jill Reed is a distinguished educator with 33 years of experience in elementary education and a longstanding commitment to advancing student achievement. For the past 20 years, she has served as a Math Instructional Coach, specializing in mathematics instruction and the Science of Reading. Her work has focused particularly on supporting minority students through targeted mathematics instruction, instructional coaching, and small-group mentoring. Jill is passionate about equipping both students and educators with the knowledge, confidence, and strategies necessary to achieve meaningful academic growth.
Jill earned a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies in 1988 and a Master’s degree in School Administration in 2000, both from California State University, Dominguez Hills. She also holds a preliminary administrative credential and a certification in Emotional Behavioral Disorders for students from UCLA, earned in 2012. In addition to her professional responsibilities, Jill is a delegate for the National Education Association through United Teachers Los Angeles and has demonstrated strong leadership through her service as President of the Compton Chapter of the National Sorority of Phi Delta Kappa, Incorporated, a position she has held for the past three years. Her continued professional development reflects her dedication to educational leadership and lifelong learning.
Jill credits her success to the encouragement, discipline, and perseverance instilled in her by her parents. Her own early struggles with mathematics gave her a unique perspective and inspired her commitment to helping students overcome academic challenges and recognize their potential. Jill considers education more than a profession; she views it as a ministry and a personal calling. She believes she was born to be an educator and is guided by a strong sense of purpose, service, and responsibility. She also emphasizes the importance of maintaining a healthy work-life balance, believing that educators must care for their own well-being while fulfilling their calling to serve and positively influence others.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Jill
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to the strong foundation my parents instilled in me. They taught me the importance of hard work, perseverance, and never allowing challenges to become excuses for giving up. Because I struggled with math myself during elementary school, I learned firsthand how difficult it can be to understand concepts that others may find easy. That experience has shaped my passion for helping children build confidence in mathematics, overcome challenges, and recognize their own potential. My personal journey has motivated me to turn my early struggles into an opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I have ever received is, “Stand up to be seen, speak up to be heard, and sit down to be appreciated.” This advice, shared by my pastor, has had a lasting impact on both my personal and professional growth. I was naturally quiet and often nervous about speaking in front of audiences when I was younger, so learning to step forward, use my voice, and confidently share my knowledge helped me overcome those fears. It taught me the importance of being visible, expressing myself with confidence, and recognizing the value I bring to every opportunity.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering the industry is to prioritize a healthy balance between their professional responsibilities and personal lives. Career growth is important, but protecting your social and emotional well-being is equally essential to long-term success and fulfillment. Make time for yourself, nurture the relationships and activities that bring you joy, and recognize when you need to step back and recharge. Never lose sight of your own needs in the pursuit of professional goals, because maintaining balance can help prevent unnecessary stress and allow you to bring your best self to both your career and your personal life.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest opportunities in my field right now is the ability to work across different school sites and support the district wherever I am needed, particularly as schools prepare to open the new academic year. While this experience has allowed me to adapt to different environments and work with diverse teams and students, one of the challenges is not having a permanent school assignment. I look forward to the opportunity to be placed at one school for the full academic year, where I can build lasting relationships, become more deeply involved in the school community, and make a consistent impact.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me in both my work and personal life are faith, purpose, integrity, compassion, and service. As a Christian woman, I view my work as an educator not simply as a career, but as a ministry and a meaningful calling. I believe I was born to educate, encourage, and make a positive difference in the lives of others. I also believe that knowing who you are and understanding your purpose is essential, because each person has unique gifts and is called to something meaningful. I strive to live and work with intention, using my abilities to serve others and make a lasting impact.
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