Jonathan Feinstein
State Director for Texas
Jonathan brings more than 15 years of experience in education as a teacher, organizer and nonprofit leader. He serves as the State Director of Texas, where he works with and supports partners statewide to advance educational equity for students of color and from low-income backgrounds.
Prior to joining Ed Trust, Jonathan worked at the Commit Partnership, where he led community engagement and advocacy efforts to bring together a wide range of systems leaders and directly impacted stakeholders to improve cradle-to-career outcomes for students in Dallas County. Before that, Jonathan worked as a middle school and special needs teacher, and continues to engage directly with educators, students and other leaders to deepen learning and commitment to racial equity.
A native of Chapel Hill, North Carolina, Jonathan credits his public schooling experience for instilling a deeply-held appreciation for diverse educators and peers and for exposing him to the wide, persistent opportunity gaps affecting students of color and students from low-income families. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Wesleyan University in American Studies with a concentration in Ethnic Studies.
What are people most surprised to learn about you?
I have a twin brother, David!
What drew you to education?
The teachers in my life, especially Ms. Hines (third grade) and Ms. Blackwell (fifth grade), both experienced educators of color.
Why are you passionate about working at Ed Trust?
I feel passionately that Ed Trust has an essential role to play here in Texas, especially at this unique historical moment because of its fierce and intentional focus on the outcomes of the students of color and students from low-income families who represent the majority of all students in our state. I am passionate about building powerfully inclusive coalitions to win policy that advances equity and improves the lives of all Texans.
