With a strong sense of justice and equality, I aim to create a climate of compassion and intentional equity at the Academy. I bring empathy and positivity to my job through my interactions with staff, students, parents, and the greater community. Through guidance, modeling, advocacy, and teaching about social-emotional learning, scholars understand that they are loved, accepted, and respected.
Elif Erginer, originally from Winston-Salem, North Carolina, earned a B.S. in psychology from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1992, an M.A. in women's studies from George Washington University in 1995, an M.S. in counseling from California State University, Northridge in 2009, and a graduate certificate in school counseling from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte in 2020.
Erginer serves as the Academy’s school counselor, and Feb. 7-11 is National School Counseling Week. Read on to learn more:
Why did you choose to work at the Academy?
I wanted to work with folks who always put children first. I was looking for a school and a staff whose worldviews are rooted in justice, equity, and compassion. I was also drawn to the restorative justice model that the Academy uses because I'm a proponent of positivity over punishment.
What's your favorite part about working at the Academy?
There is a real sense of warmth and camaraderie amongst the Academy staff. Working here, I feel like I'm part of a team of people who love their jobs and want what's best for our scholars. We are a team that holds cooperation and charitableness in high regard, and it shows in everything from our informal daily interactions to classroom management styles.
How are you impacting education in your community?
With a strong sense of justice and equality, I aim to create a climate of compassion and intentional equity at the Academy. I bring empathy and positivity to my job through my interactions with staff, students, parents, and the greater community. Through guidance, modeling, advocacy, and teaching about social-emotional learning, scholars understand that they are loved, accepted, and respected.
What was your favorite subject when you were in elementary school?
Reading
The Academy has a reading literacy focus. What is your favorite book?
Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen
“Learning together” is a core commitment of the Academy. What does "learning together" mean to you?
To me, "learning together" means being lifelong learners who work in unity for the betterment of our school and the success of our scholars. Being open to a diversity of opinions, perspectives, and abilities helps us learn together because when we know better, we'll do better.
Just for fun, what is your favorite candy?
Dark chocolate covered almonds
Elif Erginer
