Congratulations to Heidi Joyner, the January Certified Employee of the Month!
A 31-year veteran educator, Joyner has served as a curriculum coach at River Dell Elementary for the last eight years. She is from a family of educators and says she couldn't imagine another more fitting profession.
Joyner is married with four children, six grandchildren, two dogs, and two cats, and loves spending time with them. She also enjoys reading and painting.
Read more about Joyner in her Spotlight Q&A below.
What lessons has the profession taught you about education, students, and yourself?
The lessons I've learned from being an educator include reflecting on my practice, accepting feedback, and continually refining my approach with both students and adults.
Also, I have learned to appreciate the necessity for lifelong learning. My own growth in this profession has a direct correlation to the growth of the students I work with.
As an educator, building strong relationships with your students is paramount. What approaches do you use to create trust and bond with them?
I approach creating trust and bonding with my students by taking an interest in each student’s life and finding joy in their learning and achievements, no matter how big or small. I feel that this is also true in developing relationships with my peers as a curriculum coach.
Sharing my own strengths and vulnerabilities with staff and students creates stronger relationships, as they know that we are all human and there for each other. I try to make my office a safe space where anyone can come and know that they will be heard.
Describe a memorable teaching experience that had a lasting impact on you. What made it special, and what did you learn from it?
We have a graduation walk at River Dell Elementary, where former students who are now seniors walk the halls in their caps and gowns. Two years ago, one of my former first-grade students shared that she wanted to become a teacher, and during an interview for a scholarship, she said that I had been influential in her decision.
An excerpt from the interview stated that I had a huge impact on her and played a pivotal role in the decision to become an educator. “She made it seem so fun to teach the kids,” she said, “and her wisdom really stuck with me.”
As a teacher, you sometimes forget the impact you make on your students. I was honored that I was a positive influence in her life! By the way, that student was awarded the scholarship.
Looking ahead in your career as an educator, what goals would you like to accomplish in the field of education?
As a curriculum coach, my goal is to help teachers create learning environments where students feel supported and empowered, while continuing to grow personally and professionally as a lifelong learner.
This year’s theme is Forward, with a focus on our North Star - Student Achievement and Academic Growth. How do you plan to carry this theme into your classroom and continue building on your award-winning strategies?
I will carry the theme Forward by staying focused on student achievement, reflecting on my practice, and building on proven strategies. I will continue to push both myself and the staff toward higher levels of academic success and growth.