Jessica Duncan serves as a Program Administrator in the Office of Federal Programs at the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction, bringing more than 20 years of experience in education and a lifelong passion for learning.
Throughout her career, Jessica has focused on creating meaningful learning experiences that engage students, support educators, and remove barriers to access. She believes education is most impactful when students actively discover concepts for themselves rather than simply receive information. As a former elementary school principal, she championed whole-child education, relationship-building, and experiential learning. Earlier in her career as a classroom teacher, she regularly took students outdoors to learn through exploration. She introduced opportunities such as an environmental awareness club to foster curiosity beyond the classroom.
Jessica has also been actively involved with organizations that support children and strengthen communities, including Girls on the Run, local music festivals, and running events. She currently serves as Treasurer of the Boosters Club at her son’s school.
An avid hiker, cyclist, and trail runner, Jessica Duncan finds both joy and inspiration in the outdoors. She also enjoys art, reading, and travel. These passions continually reinforce her belief that learning is sensory, active, and deeply connected to the natural world.
Jessica’s passion for experiential education and outdoor learning makes her a natural advocate for Muddy Sneakers’ mission. She is committed to helping students build confidence, curiosity, and environmental awareness through hands-on exploration. Jessica believes every child deserves the opportunity to learn beyond the walls of a classroom.