With 43 years of teaching and a lifelong commitment to inclusive education, Joan Gillman represents the heart of what it means to be a KDP Legacy member. A proud KDP member since 1982, Joan has guided her middle school Green Team, performed classical music in nursing homes, and brought compassion, creativity, and purpose to everything she does. Discover how KDP has supported her journey—and how she continues to inspire future generations and lifelong learners.
Q: How has your KDP community helped you thrive in the classroom?
A: The KDP community has definitely helped me thrive in my teaching career. Each month, I have looked forward to reading the latest edition of The Teacher Advocate. The periodical always includes fascinating and uplifting articles that provide the reader with real-world advice and strategies to use in my classroom.
In addition, having access to The Teaching Channel has benefited my students. I can usually find a topic that is relevant to what my students are currently learning. For example, when my sixth-grade students were learning about the water crisis, I watched the video on Citizen science that focused on a Creek Water Analysis. The film provided me with some ideas to use with my middle school students. In the future, I plan on continuing to use the Teaching Channel videos, specifically to learn more about how to use the "Climate Change in a Bottle" activities with my Green Team members. The Green Team is my school's K-12 Sustainability Club.
Another way KDP has enriched my teaching career is by having an online peer community and access to high quality veterans in the field to provide guidance whenever the need has arisen.
When I first joined KDP in 1982, little did I realize how much the organization would grow and change. Nowadays, KDP has become a voice for educators that emphasize the importance of inclusiveness and celebrates diversity. As a long time KDP member, I plan on continuing to interact with my fellow members, use the online resources, and hope to inspire the next generation of future scientists and leaders.
Q: What inspires you to teach?
A: I became interested in becoming a teacher back when I was in high school. My school had a strong community service program required for graduation. I decided that I would like to fulfill my obligations by volunteering in the lower school. During that time, I taught elementary school children how to play recorder. I tutored small groups in math, and I organized games in their playground.
The head of the school was particularly pleased with my work. She greatly admired how I was able to include all children in the playground games and not just those that showed special athletic abilities. In addition, I was also teaching children how to swim at the local JCC including some special needs children, and I was a substitute ballet teacher at a local dance studio. It was a great feeling to be able to help the children become less afraid of the water and more confident in their skills. What fun I had teaching the young students the joy of movement at the dance school! This importance of inclusiveness has framed how I teach. I believe it is important to give each child an opportunity to shine. Even if they do not become world class performers, the experience of playing with all of their peers will help them comprehend how to get along with others. Children need to understand how important compassion, dignity, and respect are when working or playing with others. If they only choose friends who are the strongest athletes or performers, they will never know the incredible experience of seeing a child hit a baseball for the first time, or seeing a peer finally succeed in a task they have been working on for a long time.
I have just completed my 43rd straight year as a teacher. As an educator, you are preparing the next generation to carry on after you are gone. Students need to comprehend how the world works so that they can make wise decisions. Nothing brings me more pleasure than seeing my students become passionate about education and lifelong learners.
Q: Outside the classroom, what hobbies or interests do you enjoy?
A: I absolutely enjoy playing musical instruments. I am fortunate to be skilled at both violin and piano. Currently I play violin with the Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra and the North Jersey Symphony during the fall, winter, and spring seasons.
In the summer, I also play violin with The August Symphony Orchestra. Playing in orchestras provides me with an outlet for my creativity. When a particular piece of music needs extra practice due to its specific challenges, it helps remind me of some of the struggles my students might be going through when they need to learn a new topic. This just increases my compassion for my students.
I have played piano since I was in elementary school. For over twenty years, I have been providing classical music concerts for various nursing facilities. Whenever I perform at the homes, I always hope to lift the spirits of the residents and bring them joy through my music.
Other interests I have include making flame glass beads for my original necklaces, traveling and exploring Mayan ruins in Mexico, and attending science workshops to help me update my science knowledge and find more ways to inspire my students.
Connect with Ms. Joan Gillman
joangillman.com
LinkedIn
Member Spotlights showcase KDP members who are making an impact both in and out of the classroom, whether they’re currently teaching or preparing to enter the field. If you or someone you know would like to be featured, fill out this form for a chance to be highlighted! Are you a KDP member of 15 or more years? Share your KDP story, here.