Eileen Elliot

Professional Background

I started my career as an elementary school teacher; I loved working with “my kids.” Eventually, I opened a learning cooperative and worked with the same families for many years; simultaneously, I became a K-12 facilitator for a charter school. A new opportunity presented itself after I moved across the country and joined the WorldOver team, taking a lead role in program development.

What do you consider to be your greatest professional achievement so far?

My greatest professional achievement is also personal.
I loved being a classroom teacher, but when it was time to enroll my children, I started questioning whether a traditional setting was best for them. Armed with a mom’s instincts and a background in teaching and curriculum development, I opened a TK-3 “one-room-school-house;” as the kids’ ages increased, so did the grade levels. It was an honor to be a foundational part of these learners’ lives and see what they now do as professional adults.

On Sunday mornings, you can usually find me…

On a typical Sunday morning, you’ll find me trying to relax. It often involves a cup (or three) of coffee while watching CBS Sunday Morning.

What was your favorite subject in school?

My favorite subject in school was history because I was fortunate to have history teachers who were a combination of subject-matter experts and storytellers. They knew how to engage learners.

Flashback to when you were 10 years old. What do you want to be when you grow up?

I have wanted to be a teacher for as long as I can remember. During college, I dabbled in sociology but returned to my original plan to major in education.

What inspired you to pursue a career in this field, and how does it align with your passions and interests?

My dad and my innate understanding of and empathy for kids inspired me to pursue a career in education. My dad was a high school English teacher before being recruited into a school leadership role. My path has had similarities.
As my career and family developed, I was drawn to the need for options in education because the “one size fits all” approach leaves many learners out in the cold. A traditional setting works for many kids but not all kids. I love being part of an organization that offers families a choice.