Jill Francis

District 8 Director

Jill Francis

Jill Francis earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology with Secondary Education Certification from Appalachian State University in 1997, National Board Certification in Adolescence and Young Adulthood Science in 2005, and a Master of Arts in Science Education from East Carolina University in 2009. She was the NC Western Region Teacher of the Year in 2013, received the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching for NC in 2019, and was a Kenan Fellow in 2021-22. She has been an educator with Rutherford County Schools for over 25 years, primarily teaching Biology, AP Biology and AP Environmental Science at CHASE High School. She currently serves as an instructional coach supporting high school science and math teachers in Rutherford County Schools.

PDI Vendor Services

PDI Vendor Registration

Vendor Secure Online Registration is Now Open!

Vendor Services for the NCSTA Professional Development Institute Conference is now open. Vendors will be able to create a Vendor account, purchase products, services and much more securely online.

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PDI Keynote Speakers

Dr. Carol O'Donnell

Dr. Carol O'Donnell is the director of the Smithsonian Science Education Center, which is dedicated to transforming K-12 Education through Science in collaboration with communities across the globe.

Dr. Nehemiah Mabry, P.E. is an Engineer, Educator and Entrepreneur based in Raleigh, North Carolina. His technical experience includes 15+ years as a NASA Researcher, Bridge Design Engineer, and Adjunct Professor.