Executive Director, Heart Math Tutoring
Charlotte native, former 6th grade math teacher and Teach For America alum, Emily Elliott Gaffney now heads up Heart Math Tutoring. Heart is a one-on-one volunteer-driven math intervention program serving over 1,000 students in CMS. Emily graduated from UNC-Chapel Hill and spent two years in the investment bank at Wells Fargo before transitioning into the education field.
When and where were you learning at your best?
UNC-Chapel Hill: a mix of physics, econ, and history on any given day
What have you recently learned from a teacher?
A lasting culture of strong instruction takes years of groundwork
What have you recently learned from a student?
Don’t forget to have some fun!
What is the greatest challenge our educators face?
Wearing multiple hats: teacher, counselor, social worker, disciplinarian
Which skill would you most like to master?
Guitar, or speed reading
What do you consider your organization's greatest achievement?
Heart was started by dedicated volunteers!
What quality do you most admire in a school leader?
Warmth towards, and knowledge of, each student
If you could change one thing about public education, what would it be?
Make teaching a top profession in pay and esteem
What is your current state of mind?
Curious and diligent