I would like to give you a special introduction to our featured keynote speaker for Key Club Days 2021. Erin Jones, is an Independent Education and Systems Consultant and became the first Black woman to run for any state office in Washington. Continue reading below to learn more about her!
Biography
Erin Jones has been involved in and around schools for the past 26 years. She has taught in a variety
of environments, and in some of the most diverse communities in the nation. Last fall she was a
candidate for the State Superintendent of Public Instruction. Erin received an award as the Most
Innovative Foreign Language Teacher in 2007, while working at Stewart Middle School in Tacoma
and was the Washington State Milken Educator of the Year in 2008, while teaching at Rogers High
School in Spokane. She received recognition at the White House in March of 2013 as a “Champion of
Change” and was Washington State PTA’s “Outstanding Educator” in 2015. After serving as a
classroom teacher and instructional coach, Erin worked as an executive for two State
Superintendents. Erin left the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction 5 years ago to work in
college-access at the school district level. She left her job to run as a candidate for State
Superintendent and was the first Black woman to run for any state office in Washington state, a race
she lost by a mere 1%. Erin has two children in college, one who works full-time and plays rugby, and
a husband, James, who is a teacher in North Thurston School District.