Education:

MA in Reading Education; University of South Florida 

BA in Mass Communication; Michigan State University

Relevant Work Experience:

Before joining Frameworks, Julie Hughes spent 20 years as a full-time educator, specializing in reading instruction for middle school students across public, private, and charter schools. 

Most recently, she served at the Academy of the Holy Names in Tampa, where she alternated between leading the grade-level team and directing the language arts department, helping to ensure cohesive, high-quality programming across grades and subject areas. 

As an Innovation Fellow at the Academy of the Holy Names, Julie piloted an innovation space, collaborated with colleagues to expand the initiative throughout the school, and developed professional development for schools transitioning to similar environments. She also partnered with the University of Florida to integrate scientific literacy, digital imaging, and 3D printing technology into cross-curricular lessons. Julie has presented her work at both the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) conference and the National Science Teachers Association (NSTA) conference. 

Why You Work at Frameworks:

While at AHN, I was part of the team that developed grade-level teaming and an advisory structure to better support middle school students. Through this work, I came to understand that at the heart of teaching is the ability to build strong, trusting relationships with students—helping them grow into the best versions of themselves. Emotional intelligence is essential in education because it creates a learning environment where students feel safe, valued, and connected. When children experience a sense of belonging, they are more open to learning, collaborating, and growing alongside their peers. Supporting students’ emotional well-being lays the foundation for meaningful academic and personal growth. Now, I have the privilege of designing meaningful professional development for teachers, equipping them to make a lasting impact on the lives of today’s students.