Public Service

My interest in public service, particularly in the areas of retention and recruitment, stems from a belief that sustainable and innovative change depends on well-trained and well-invested employees. I first recognized my motivations as a public servant in high school, where I regularly attended Board of Education meetings, and later as a legislative intern for former Assemblywoman Nancy Pinkin and the Office of Governor Phil Murphy. Later, as a Corps Member with Teach for America, I began a career as a public servant.

The following papers are another reflection of my commitment to public service and equity by advocating for policies that address systemic inequities in school funding and emphasizing the importance of strategic human resource management to ensure equitable access to quality education. Together, they highlight my dedication to promoting fairness and improving outcomes for underserved communities through effective public administration.

Achievement Gaps in K-12 Schools and State & Local Funding

Course: Economics for Public Administration

Professor: Professor Norman Eckstein

Date: March 2023

The paper addresses how systemic inequities in public education undermine the idea of equal opportunity for all students. It emphasizes the role of public policy and government in addressing these disparities through targeted programs like expansive funding, which advocates for investments in social services beyond the classroom to support students’ overall well-being. Public servants, especially those in local and state education departments, have a responsibility to advocate for such comprehensive solutions that go beyond traditional education funding, ensuring that all children, regardless of their zip code, have the resources they need to succeed. This focus on policy intervention and service provision aligns with the core principles of public service, which include promoting equity, addressing social justice, and improving the quality of life for underserved communities.

State and Local practices to address teacher shortages

Course: Human Resources Administration

Professor: Dr. James Davy

Date: April 2023

This paper highlights how strategic human resource management (SHRM) is integral to efficient public service obligations by emphasizing the critical role of managing human capital, particularly in public education. The paper underscores that understanding and forecasting the demand for teachers and other school personnel is crucial to fulfilling the public education system's goals. It links HRM to ensuring that schools are staffed with qualified educators, using data to predict staffing needs and plan for recruitment. By examining the teacher shortage issue, the paper demonstrates how the failure to address SHRM effectively, such as the lack of a federal definition for teacher shortages, impedes the achievement of educational goals, particularly the preparation of students for global competitiveness. In addition, it shows that without SHRM practices like proper forecasting and recruitment, public education systems fail to meet their obligations, negatively impacting student outcomes and teacher retention. The paper ultimately reinforces that efficient public service requires anticipating and addressing HR challenges to meet the broader objectives of promoting student achievement and access.