Her Story
About Whitney
Whitney Vaughn is a Senior Academic Designer specializing in curriculum design for an educational publishing company. She started her journey in education in 2012 as a second-grade classroom teacher in Houston, Texas. She soon became a literacy coach for K-5 students, supporting teachers in urban and socioeconomically disadvantaged classrooms. Following the COVID-19 pandemic, she transitioned to virtual literacy coaching and eventually into her current role creating curriculum used by hundreds of thousands of students, teachers, and parents across the nation.
Vaughn earned her alternative certification to enter teaching and later obtained a Master's in Curriculum and Instruction from Raptors University, a private school in Houston. She is currently pursuing a doctorate in Literacy Education, which she plans to defend in September. Her work emphasizes authentic representation of BIPOC students in educational texts and curriculum, along with advocacy for literacy access and expression, particularly for students who cannot advocate for themselves. She is also the author of the children's book Amari's Beautiful Garden, which teaches lessons of resilience and growth.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Whitney
01What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Just start. People forget how impactful you can be. Never even knew I would be an educator but I've been so engulfed and passionate about literacy and how we can aid those better outcomes. Just do it, just start. Be persistent. Make your own right time and just go.
02What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Education is more of a woman-dominated field at entry level like teaching, but as you move up especially on the corporate operations side it becomes more male-dominated. Women do the groundwork but you still see men in big corporate figures.
03What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Literacy, education, expression, advocacy especially for those students who can't advocate for themselves. Textual representation so students are able to see themselves in the text they're reading. Making sure reading is fun and accessible for everyone.
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