Her Story
About Joanna
Joanna Juarbe is a dedicated educational leader with 26 years of experience in the field. She began her career as a special education teacher serving students with varying needs for 15 years before transitioning into school leadership. For the past 10 years, she has served as principal in West Milford, New Jersey, where she is now leading efforts to open a new school building and improve morale. Joanna holds an undergraduate degree in special education for grades K-12, a master's degree in special education, and a second master's degree that includes her supervisory and principal certificate. She is currently completing her doctorate in education leadership, with a focus on improving school building morale. Her core values center on building relationships and trust, which she applies in both her professional leadership and personal life as a single parent. Joanna also volunteers at her local church, teaching a middle school group and partnering on community events and food pantries, and she plans to participate in missions trips to build schools abroad.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Joanna
01What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Don't ever lose sleep on the opinion of sheep. Earlier in my career I used to take everything to heart, the criticisms and comments. Someone told me don't ever lose sleep on the opinions of sheep because people talk when they envy what you have or the higher standard you hold yourself to.
02What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Challenges include schools doing more with less due to fiscal issues, programs being cut, and staff not being renewed. Opportunities include leading a new school building to improve morale, which aligns with my doctoral focus on improving school building morale.
03What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Building relationships is at the core of my values. People want to feel heard, valued, and seen. Effective leadership starts with building relationships and trust. The same applies to personal life as educators and parents - building positive relationships with everyone you influence.
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