Michelle McLaughlin began her career in education as a high school social studies teacher. Prior to transitioning into state education agency work she had the tremendous honor to serve as a district-level curriculum specialist supporting middle and high school social studies. Michelle has spent over twenty years supporting and advocating for social studies education; first as a classroom teacher, then as a district level leader, and currently as a K-12 Social Studies consultant with the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction. Understanding that there are constant paradigm shifts in the principles and factors that influence education policy, teacher support, and student learning, Michelle hopes being a part of the EPFP cohort will help her build and strengthen her knowledge and understanding of policymaking and implementation.