Joan Gillman, a science teacher at The Browning School, has dedicated her life to shaping young minds and fostering a deep love for learning. Her journey into education began with her early interest in helping others during her high school years. From teaching elementary school children to swim and play music to tutoring in math and organizing inclusive playground games, Joan discovered the profound joy of guiding students. These experiences, combined with her childhood fascination with science, set the foundation for her remarkable career.
A Career Rooted in Passion and Creativity
Joan’s lifelong love for science and engineering was evident even as a child when she experimented with mixing household solutions and documented snowfalls in her backyard. These seemingly simple activities nurtured a curiosity and creativity that later translated into engaging lessons for her students. Joan’s approach to education emphasizes inclusivity, encouraging every child to find their voice and shine, regardless of their starting point or abilities.
Her dedication extends beyond the classroom. Whether mentoring students to construct buildings and bridges or guiding them through public service announcements about weather safety, Joan blends creativity with curriculum, making science accessible and exciting.
Values that Define Success
Joan attributes her success to three key qualities: dedication, organization, and creativity. Her commitment to giving 100% effort in all her endeavors and her disciplined approach enable her to achieve her goals consistently. Organization helps her stay focused, while her creativity allows her to design projects that inspire and educate.
As a leader, Joan’s aims are clear: to nurture students’ natural curiosity, empower them to make a difference, and instill compassion, dignity, and respect. These ideals guide her work and have a lasting impact on the students she teaches.
Empowering Change Through Education
Joan’s role as a leader of The Browning School’s Green Team highlights her dedication to environmental education. She passionately involves her students in projects such as Central Park cleanups and fundraisers for global initiatives like clean water access. One memorable project raised over $1,000 for water.org, showcasing the power of young people to drive meaningful change.
Through activities like “Green Action of the Week” and annual events such as Biodiversity Day, Joan empowers her students to become environmental stewards. Her goal is to prepare students to face future challenges with knowledge and compassion.
Overcoming Challenges
One of the toughest moments in Joan’s career was addressing the Space Shuttle Challenger disaster with her sixth graders in 1986. Guiding students through such a tragedy reinforced for Joan the vital role teachers play in helping children navigate difficult events. This experience deepened her resolve to approach teaching with empathy and understanding.
Recognitions and Achievements
Joan’s contributions to education have earned her numerous accolades. Notable among them is the Urhy Teacher of the Year award in 2017, which remains a cherished milestone in her career. She has also been featured in prominent publications like Forbes and World’s Leaders Magazine.
Her work has extended to writing for the National Science Teaching Association’s publication “Science and Children” where they published her article, “Straw Rockets are Out of This World. These achievements underscore her influence not only in her classroom but also in the broader educational community.
Lifelong Learning and Future Goals
Even after 43 years in teaching, Joan remains committed to her profession. She continually seeks professional development opportunities, from workshops at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center to certifications from National Geographic. These experiences enable her to stay current with evolving educational strategies and inspire her students with real-world applications of science.
Joan sees herself continuing to teach, mentor, and lead initiatives like The Green Team at The Browning School. She is dedicated to equipping the next generation with the knowledge and skills needed to create a better future.
Advice for Aspiring Educators
For those considering a career in education, Joan offers this advice: embrace lifelong learning, maintain a sense of humor, and never hesitate to seek support from colleagues. Teaching is challenging but immensely rewarding, and Joan believes the best days are always ahead.
Joan Gillman’s story is one of passion, resilience, and a steadfast commitment to making a difference. Her journey inspires educators and leaders alike to cultivate curiosity, foster inclusivity, and empower the next generation to create a better world.
