Her Story
About Joanne
Joanne Salvatore is a veteran educational leader entering her twentieth year in the field, currently serving as a multilingual learner supervisor where she guides teachers and administrators toward more effective strategies for supporting diverse student populations. Her path into education took shape shortly after high school, when she relocated to Miami to teach in public schools serving refugee and immigrant communities, an experience that ignited a lasting commitment to advocacy that has carried her through two decades of work in inner-city schools across multiple districts. Along the way, she built a strong academic foundation, earning a bachelor's degree in elementary education, master's degrees in both educational leadership and special education with an ESL focus, and she is now nearing completion of her doctorate in ELL management.
Beyond her day-to-day administrative role, Joanne has cultivated a career that extends well past the classroom. She hosts The Reinvention Room, a podcast centered on chasing personal passions and encouraging others to grow, and she co-founded Be Elite Leadership, a coaching venture through which she mentors clients on mindset, goal setting, and building consistent habits. She credits mentors such as Erin Gruel and Anna Welsh with shaping her own growth, and she now channels that same guidance into supporting the next generation of educators and professionals, often taking a hands-on approach by inviting them to shadow her and observe different school environments firsthand.
Joanne remains deeply engaged in her professional community as a member of NJPSA and NJ TESOL, and she continues to give back through philanthropic work, including fundraising efforts for the American Cancer Society and St. Jude's, as well as local initiatives like school supply drives, food banks, and family dinners for students and families in need. Whether through her administrative leadership, her coaching business, or her podcast, she remains driven by a consistent purpose: empowering others to grow, lead, and thrive.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Joanne
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute much of my success to the mentors who have shaped my path, especially Erin Gruel, who inspired me early on through her work in student activism, and Anna Welsh, who has guided me more recently. I've also grown by stepping into a mentorship role myself through Be Elite Leadership, the company I co-founded to support and coach others. At the same time, I see myself as a lifelong learner who is always seeking guidance and new knowledge, whether through my formal education, ongoing professional development, or the conferences and speaking engagements I take part in.
02What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would encourage them to shadow me and spend time observing different school and classroom settings so they can see the work firsthand. From there, I'd help them set goals around what they've witnessed and talk openly about their passions and the importance of self-care. I would never discourage anyone from pursuing this path; instead, I prefer to step back and give them the space to experience it for themselves.
03What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Advocacy and service are at the heart of what I value most. My journey into education began right after high school when I moved to Miami and worked in public schools serving refugees and immigrants, an experience that sparked my lifelong passion for education and advocacy. That same commitment has carried me through the past 20 years, as I've continued teaching and leading in inner-city schools across different districts.
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