Janet Kirby
Janet Kirby is an experienced educator with over 20 years in the primary and secondary education field, currently serving as a Special Education Resource Teacher for 4th grade at Gwinnett County Public Schools. In this role, she teaches ELA, writing, and math aligned to curriculum standards, supports social studies and science instruction, and equips students with functional and self-advocacy skills. Janet also serves as Instructional Lead for her Special Education Department, mentoring teachers, assisting with planning, and collaborating with families and psychologists to ensure student success.
Throughout her career, Janet has held a variety of roles including paraprofessional in both regular and special education, as well as in-school suspension teacher and intervention instructor. Her dedication extends beyond the classroom; in 2002, she founded Bridges, a nonprofit in Wilmington, North Carolina, to support single mothers with career preparation, interview coaching, childcare, and transportation. Janet’s philosophy centers on student advocacy, encouraging independence, and embracing challenges as opportunities for growth.
Janet earned an Associate of Applied Science in Education from the University of Mount Olive and has completed additional coursework through the University of Georgia’s College of Family and Consumer Science. She is currently working toward a specialist degree in Special Education. Outside the classroom, Janet volunteers as a life coach for Elevate, an afterschool program empowering middle school students, and actively participates in professional and community organizations including the Professional Association of Georgia Educators, Gwinnett Democratic Women, and Mom Squad.
• Leading and Working in Teams
• The University of Georgia
• University of Mount Olive- A.A.S.
• Walden University- M.Ed.
• Mom Squad
• Gwinnett Democratic Women
• Professional Association of Georgia Educators
• Elevate
• Church
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my deep passion for education, which has been shaped by growing up in a family of educators and inspired by my brother’s experiences in special education. Teaching has always felt like a calling for me, and combining that sense of purpose with perseverance, continuous learning, and support from my students and family has driven my growth and achievements in the field.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received came from my family of educators, whose example taught me the value of passion, dedication, and service in teaching. My brother, who received special education services, also inspired me to pursue a career in special education and advocate for students with unique learning needs.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering education is to follow your heart, embrace every opportunity, and love the work of serving students. Focus on the meaningful moments of student growth and achievement, and don’t get lost in paperwork—your impact is in the lives you help shape.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenges in education today include navigating increasing administrative burdens, such as paperwork and meetings, and keeping up with evolving credentialing requirements. At the same time, there are significant opportunities in instructional leadership, stronger community and parent engagement, and advocating for students’ independence, allowing experienced educators to expand their impact and mentor the next generation of learners.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me in both work and life are purpose, service, and perseverance. I am deeply committed to advocating for students, embracing challenges as opportunities for growth, and honoring the support of family and loved ones, which help sustain balance, joy, and fulfillment.