EduCurious Interview with Deanna Joyner: Transformational Leadership

Deanna Joyner, an experienced ELA teacher with a rich background in both education and business, shared her journey and insights into creating impactful learning environments. Originally from a small town in the heart of Florida, Joyner’s career has taken her from Florida to Arizona and back, providing her with a deep understanding of diverse student populations and the importance of cultural competency in teaching.Joyner emphasized that her transition into education, though initially unexpected, became a true calling. With a strong foundation in business management and leadership—holding an associate's, bachelor's, and master's degree in these fields—she brings a unique perspective to the classroom. Joyner passionately believes in applying real-world scenarios and business principles, like goal setting and understanding objectives, to empower her middle school students. She sees education not merely as instruction but as a transformative process, stating, "You cannot transform lives if yours have not been transformed."At the heart of Joyner’s teaching philosophy is the power of relationships. "Once you clasp their hearts, you have their minds," she shared, highlighting her practice of dedicating the first 21 days of school to building strong connections with her students. This relational foundation, she explained, is crucial for engagement and creating a well-managed classroom where students feel safe and respected. Joyner’s approach to discipline is firm yet compassionate, utilizing non-verbal cues, proximity, and open communication to address issues, always aiming to understand the root cause of a student's behavior.A lifelong learner herself, having pursued higher education as an adult with five children, Joyner models perseverance and dedication. She candidly discussed the challenges of adapting to a new cultural environment while teaching in Arizona, where she had to develop new strategies to reach a predominantly Hispanic student body. This experience, though demanding, significantly stretched her as an educator and reinforced her belief in hard work, flexibility, and continuous learning.Joyner champions professional development, citing John Hattie's "Visible Learning" conference as a pivotal experience that refined her teaching methods, particularly in structuring lessons with effective anticipatory sets and vocabulary introduction. She advises fellow educators to be resourceful, invest in their own growth, and remain coachable. Looking ahead, Joyner aspires to leadership roles where she can guide teachers, develop curriculum, and help reduce teacher burnout—even developing a workshop aimed at helping educators structure their year for sustained effectiveness and passion. Her commitment to transforming lives through education is a testament to her dedication and a powerful inspiration for all in the field.

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