Paula Cole

Paula was born and raised in the Dominican Republic, a place she left to pursue her dream of a college education in the United States. After six years as an E4E member and teacher leader, Paula joined the Minnesota chapter as executive director. Prior to this role, Paula worked as an elementary education teacher and academic coach at Minneapolis Public Schools. 

As a teacher, Paula learned that teachers’ voices were rarely sought and often ignored by policymakers. Paula enjoys her work at E4E because it allows her to ensure that teachers’ voices are included when crafting the education policies that directly impact children’s education outcomes.

Education was not Paula’s first career. She used to work as a legislative aide at the New York State Assembly. However, when her son was diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder, her family had to move in order to access the services of a school district that could better support her child’s intensive intervention needs. Paula believes that parents should not need to uproot their families in order to ensure that their children receive a good education. This vision drives Paula’s work and supporting teachers as leaders is the most important step.