Meet Janell

I am qualified to serve on the Texas State Board of Education because I bring real-world experience from the classroom, the home, higher education, and the modern workforce, along with the discipline and work ethic of a WNBA champion. Winning a WNBA championship required relentless preparation, accountability, teamwork, and the ability to perform under pressure. That same championship mindset setting high standards, doing the hard work, and staying focused on results will guide my service on the State Board of Education.

I served for two years as a substitute teacher, where I saw firsthand the challenges educators and students face, including curriculum implementation, classroom management, and limited resources. During COVID, I also homeschooled my children for two years, giving me a deep understanding of remote learning, curriculum transparency, learning loss, and the critical role families play in student success.

I hold a Bachelor of Science from Tulane University in Computer Information Systems, with a minor in Business Administration. This academic background allows me to approach education policy through a data-driven, fiscally responsible lens and to understand the growing role of technology in learning. Professionally, my career at Amazon required constant learning, adaptability, and performance in a fast-paced, high-expectation environment, reinforcing the importance of an evolving curriculum that equips students with critical thinking, digital literacy, and workforce-ready skills.