Emily McNeff

Executive Associate & Playful Inquiry School Mentor

Emily McNeff is an elementary educator and advocate, dedicated to fostering meaningful, asset-based playful inquiry learning experiences for young students, with a strong emphasis on social and environmental justice. Emily has held multiple roles in education over the past 10 years including as a Classroom Teacher, Coach, Educational Assistant, and Inquiry Team Leader. Most recently, Emily taught kindergarten in Beaverton School District, where she took on leadership roles championing playful inquiry in classrooms across the district, with her classroom acting as a demonstration site for other educators.

Currently serving as the Executive Associate & Playful Inquiry Mentor at Teaching Preschool Partners, Emily supports organizational development, fund development, operations, strategy, and field-based mentoring in preschool and elementary settings to advance the mission of playful inquiry. As a member of the LGBTQIA+ community, Emily is passionate about creating inclusive, supportive environments for ALL students, families, and educators. She believes in the power of storytelling and materials as forms of liberation, especially for linguistically diverse students, and works to cultivate spaces where students can explore, take risks, and become change-makers.