Emily Neff

About Emily Neff

As a former educator and experienced advocate, I seek to connect educational practice to…

Experience

1. Director of Public Policy

   Trying Together

   Aug 2016 — Present · Pittsburgh, PA, US

   I began working with Trying Together (at the time PAEYC) as a Coro Fellow in August 2016. Following my nine month fellowship, I was hired as a full time staff and I have served in various roles on the policy team throughout the past five years. Currently, I serve as the Director of Public Policy (as of June 2021).• Lead the development and implementation Trying Together’s policy agenda centered on equity, diversity, inclusion, and justice• Successfully advocate for early care and education with the Pre-K for PA and Start Strong PA campaigns• Coordinate the Hi5 Kindergarten Transition Project with 43 school districts in Allegheny County by facilitating partnerships between schools and early learning programs and conducting professional development events that have drawn up to 100 participants• Research and write policy briefs on topics like reducing suspensions and expulsions, kindergarten transition, and developmentally appropriate practice in order to share best practices with educators and make policy recommendations • Create and facilitate professional development, advocacy workshops, and technical assistance trainings that have reached over 200 ECE professionals statewide• Co-lead the Recess Advocacy Team, a group of 18 local organizations, dedicated to supporting families and educators with resources to advocate for the importance of play in schools

Skills

• Writing
• Computer: Proficient in Ms Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, Powerpoint), Microsoft
• Data Analysis
• Teaching
• Policy Analysis
• Community Outreach
• Research
• Editing