In this interview, we delve into the inspiring journey of Joan Gillman, a Science Teacher at The Browning School. Joan shares her remarkable experiences and the values that have driven her throughout her teaching career. From her early years as a student with a passion for science and engineering to her current role at The Browning School, Joan has dedicated her life to preparing the next generation. She offers insight into her leadership approach, overcoming obstacles, and her commitment to inclusiveness and sustainability. Joan’s story is a testament to the power of education and the significant impact teachers can have on their students.
Joan Gillman’s Early Inspiration to Teach
Joan’s journey into teaching began at a young age. Reflecting on her high school years, she recalls becoming interested in education through her involvement in a community service program that required students to volunteer in the lower school. During this time, she taught elementary children how to play the recorder, tutored math, and organized playground games. Joan’s ability to engage all children, including those not typically recognized for athletic abilities, earned her admiration from the head of the school. She continued her volunteer efforts, including teaching swimming at the local JCC and substituting as a ballet teacher. These formative experiences shaped her belief in the importance of inclusiveness in education and laid the foundation for her career.
Joan’s Path to Becoming an Educator
Joan’s passion for science and engineering has been a constant in her life. From experimenting in her bathroom to observing the weather and building robots with her brother, Joan’s curiosity and creativity were always evident. After completing her B.A. in Elementary Education Summa Cum Laude and her M.A. in Education for the Hearing Impaired, Joan embarked on her teaching career in the South Bronx. Over the years, she has taught at a variety of institutions, including independent schools, religious schools, and public schools. Her commitment to making a difference in the lives of her students is evident in the care she puts into her work, whether teaching fifth and sixth-grade science or running electives at The Calhoun School.
Gender-Related Challenges and Triumphs in Joan’s Career
Joan is fortunate to have not encountered gender-related barriers in her teaching career. She believes that teaching is a profession that many women enter, and this has likely shielded her from discrimination based on gender. However, she did experience age discrimination early in her career when looking for a new teaching position. Fortunately, Joan’s experience at The Browning School has been different. The school prides itself on a diverse and inclusive faculty, making Joan feel welcomed and supported. Teaching in an all-boys school has had its challenges, but Joan has consistently worked to ensure that her male students understand that she cares about their success. She believes that seeing a woman teaching science, a field often associated with men, is important for breaking societal stereotypes.
Joan’s Commitment to Sustainability and Environmental Stewardship
In addition to her science teaching, Joan is an active leader of The Green Team at The Browning School. This club focuses on sustainability, organizing fundraisers, conducting cleanups in Central Park, and hosting an annual Biodiversity Week. Through her leadership, Joan hopes to inspire the next generation to become stewards of the environment. She is particularly proud of the work her students do in creating awareness about reducing their carbon footprint. Joan is also deeply involved in implementing the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) at The Browning School and works with colleagues to bring about the necessary curriculum changes.
Joan’s Contributions to Science Education
Joan’s impact on science education extends beyond her classroom. She has presented workshops at numerous professional conferences, including the National Science Teaching Association (NSTA), STANYS (Science Teachers Association of New York State), and the Science Council of New York City (SCONYC). Her workshops have been well-received by fellow educators, and she has enjoyed helping others become passionate about science teaching. Joan’s involvement in planning the SCONYC conference has been particularly rewarding. Additionally, she wrote an article for Science and Children, a publication from the NSTA, which highlighted her “Straw Rocket” unit. This article led to an invitation from an NSTA author to include her work in an upcoming book, a recognition she is particularly proud of.
Technology’s Impact on Joan’s Teaching
Joan has witnessed significant changes in the role of technology in the classroom throughout her career. When she first began teaching in the early 1980s, classrooms were equipped with basic tools like blackboards and chalk. Today, Joan embraces the use of SmartBoards, Chromebooks, and various online platforms to enhance her students’ learning experiences. Her classroom is equipped with technology that allows students to take notes, watch videos, and engage in interactive lessons. She uses Seesaw, Google Classroom, and Canvas to connect with her students across different grade levels, and this year, she is exploring a new online platform called Toddle. Joan also acknowledges the growing importance of AI technology in education and emphasizes the need to use it cautiously, ensuring that it enhances learning without replacing essential skills.
Joan’s Leadership and Achievements in the Teaching Community
Throughout her career, Joan has demonstrated leadership by organizing and participating in professional workshops and conferences. Her involvement in presenting at national conferences, including the NSTA, and local conferences like NYSAIS and STANYS, has been both fulfilling and impactful. Joan takes pride in the opportunity to share her creative approaches to teaching and help her peers become more passionate about science education. She continues to expand her reach and influence within the teaching community, most recently contributing to the planning of the SCONYC conference. Joan’s role as a mentor and advocate for women in education highlights her commitment to empowering others and breaking down barriers in male-dominated fields.
Joan’s Legacy and Impact as an Educator
Joan’s legacy as an educator is shaped by her unwavering dedication to her students and her profession. Her career reflects a commitment to creating an inclusive, engaging, and impactful learning environment. From her early experiences volunteering with children to her leadership in sustainability and professional development, Joan has touched the lives of countless students and fellow educators. As she continues to evolve in her career, Joan remains focused on fostering compassion, respect, and critical thinking among her students while inspiring the next generation to care for the planet. Her contributions to science education, teaching workshops, and advocating for women in leadership positions make her a truly inspirational figure in education.
The Impact of Workshops on Fellow Educators
Joan has been a strong advocate for promoting hands-on learning through workshops at various professional conferences. Initially uncertain about how her creative approach would be received, Joan found that her workshops were not only well attended but also appreciated by fellow educators. She believes that women in education must strive to give 100% to prove their capabilities, especially in environments traditionally dominated by men. Her experiences at The Browning School, where women hold leadership positions, have shown her that women can succeed as leaders and change-makers in the field of education. Joan firmly believes that women have much to contribute to the world and should be seen as equals in all endeavors.
Memorable Experience with Deaf Science Students
Joan’s career as an educator has been shaped by her experiences teaching at P.S. 47 Junior High School for the Deaf, where she worked with profoundly deaf science students in grades 7 through 9. One particular experience that stands out to Joan was when her students were tasked with creating a mini “Great Adventure” amusement park with working rides. This hands-on project allowed students to apply scientific concepts in a fun and practical way, and Joan was astounded by their creativity and ingenuity. Her cooperating teacher emphasized the importance of hands-on projects to help the students comprehend the scientific topics being covered in class. Joan learned from this experience that hands-on learning is a powerful tool for engaging students and helping them grasp complex scientific principles.
Breaking Misconceptions about Female Leadership
Joan addresses two common misconceptions about women in leadership roles. First, some people assume that women are given leadership positions solely for diversity purposes, without considering their qualifications and accomplishments. Second, there is a misconception that women are weaker or less capable than men. Joan points to trailblazing women like Sally Ride and Mae Jemison, who made history as the first American woman and the first African American woman in space, respectively. These women, along with many others, have demonstrated that women are fully capable of succeeding in demanding roles, and Joan finds it unfortunate that the U.S. was slow to catch up with Russia in sending women to space.
The Power of Perseverance in Education
When reflecting on the most important lesson she has learned throughout her career, Joan emphasizes the power of perseverance. Despite facing difficult times, she has always remained dedicated to her students and has continued to search for new and innovative ways to help them succeed. She believes that perseverance is key to overcoming challenges and achieving lasting success in education.
Commitment to Equity and Diversity in Education
Joan is proud to teach at The Browning School, where diversity and equity are integrated into the curriculum. The school’s focus on these values is reflected in its various assemblies, events, and student organizations. Upper School students participate in the NAIS Student Diversity Leadership Conference and other national events, further expanding their understanding of diversity and inclusion. Joan is also encouraged to engage in professional development opportunities related to equity, diversity, and inclusion, attending conferences and workshops that continue to inform her teaching practices. At The Browning School, women are promoted into leadership roles not because of their gender, but because of their qualifications and abilities, which is a practice Joan wishes to see more widely adopted across other institutions.
The Future of Women in Leadership Roles
Looking ahead to the future, Joan believes that more women will step into leadership roles as they witness the success of their female colleagues. The first women to break barriers in their fields often pave the way for others to follow, and Joan is optimistic that the next generation of women will continue to rise to leadership positions. Women are capable of being compassionate and effective leaders, and it is crucial that more women take on higher roles to bring fresh perspectives and innovative solutions to leadership.
Inspiring the Next Generation of Educators
Joan’s commitment to education extends beyond her classroom. She plans to continue teaching science and inspiring future generations of students. She is also passionate about sharing her knowledge and experience with other educators by presenting workshops at science conferences and writing articles for science publications. Joan hopes that by participating in these events, she can encourage teachers to stay passionate about their careers and continue to make a difference in the lives of their students.
Celebrating Women’s Achievements on Women’s Day
In honor of Women’s Day, Joan encourages women around the world to celebrate their achievements. She believes that women are strong, talented, and compassionate leaders who have the ability to create a better world for future generations. Joan hopes that by celebrating these accomplishments, women can continue to lead the way toward positive change and inspire others to follow their example.
Continued Professional Development and Lifelong Learning
Joan is dedicated to staying current with the latest developments in science and education through ongoing professional development. In 2025, she plans to teach a workshop at the upcoming Science Council of New York City Conference and continue taking professional development courses at the American Museum of Natural History. Joan believes that lifelong learning is essential for educators, and she credits her long and fulfilling career to her commitment to staying up-to-date with new teaching methods and scientific advancements. She has attended numerous workshops and conferences, including those at NASA Goddard Space Flight Agency, the American Museum of Natural History, and the Cornell Ornithology Lab. These experiences have helped her stay enthusiastic about teaching and allowed her to share new ideas with her students and fellow educators.
Joan’s dedication to professional development also extends to her involvement with organizations like the National Science Teaching Association and the Science Teaching Association of New York State. She has participated in specialized training programs, such as becoming a National Geographic Certified Educator, and she has used these experiences to enrich her classroom. Joan’s continued commitment to learning serves as a powerful example for her students, showing them the importance of embracing new ideas and constantly striving for improvement.
A Legacy of Strength and Empowerment
As we conclude this empowering interview with Joan Gillman, it’s clear that her journey is more than just a story of personal success. It is a testament to the strength, resilience, and leadership of women who rise above challenges to create lasting change. Joan’s commitment to education, equality, and creating opportunities for future generations is not only inspiring but serves as a powerful reminder that women have the ability to lead, innovate, and uplift those around them.
This Women’s Day, let Joan’s journey be a symbol of the importance of perseverance, creativity, and compassion in leadership. Her unwavering belief in the potential of women to succeed and break barriers is a beacon for those who follow in her footsteps. Joan’s message is one of hope: With determination, we can all pave the way for a future where women’s voices are heard, valued, and celebrated.
As we honor the incredible contributions of women globally, let us carry Joan’s story in our hearts, remembering that each woman has the power to inspire change, ignite passion, and lead with purpose. Together, we rise—stronger, wiser, and united in the pursuit of a world where every woman has the opportunity to shine.
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