Her Story
About Netty
Annette “Netty” Doyle is an experienced educator with more than four decades of teaching experience across elementary, middle school, high school, alternative, early childhood, and adult education settings. She currently serves as an Adult Education Teacher with Literacy KC. Throughout her career, she has worked with students across a wide range of educational needs and settings, including alternative education and literacy-focused instruction. Her diverse experience has enabled her to develop a flexible, student-centered approach to teaching. Doyle began her professional career after earning a Bachelor of Science in Education from Creighton University in 1983. Over the course of her career, she has taught English language arts, reading, and other subjects while also serving as an early childhood director and working with students in alternative education environments. Her current work in adult education focuses on helping learners pursue their GED and advance their educational opportunities. She is also a Newsela Certified Educator, reflecting her continued engagement with instructional resources and professional development. A central theme throughout Doyle’s career is her belief that effective education depends on relationships, adaptability, creativity, and student ownership. She emphasizes creating engaging and interactive learning environments while remaining willing to change course when an instructional approach is not effective. Beyond the classroom, she has advocated for education funding through efforts in Washington, D.C., and Jefferson City, Missouri, and maintains professional affiliations with organizations including COABE, NAFTAE, the National Education Association, and the Missouri National Education Association. Her work reflects a longstanding commitment to supporting learners, educators, and equitable access to education.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Netty
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to being flexible and creative. I can walk into a classroom with a plan, and if that plan does not work, I do not become discouraged. Instead, I consider what I can do differently to reach my students. Remaining open to opportunities and adaptable to changing circumstances has allowed me to continue growing throughout my 43-year career in education.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best advice I would give is to build meaningful relationships with your students and continually look for ways to connect with them. Teaching requires genuine commitment, so I believe you should not enter the profession unless you are prepared to invest yourself fully in the work. Education is most effective when you are truly engaged in what you are doing and in the success of your learners.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering education is to build strong relationships, remain flexible and creative, and continually look for ways to make learning engaging and interactive. Give students a meaningful voice in the classroom and help them develop a sense of ownership in their learning. Being willing to adapt while maintaining strong connections with students can make a lasting difference.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Some of the biggest challenges in education include funding limitations, administrative demands, student behavior, family circumstances, and unequal access to resources. At the same time, I see meaningful opportunities in adult education and in advocating for learners and educators. These areas provide opportunities to help people overcome barriers to education and to continue strengthening support for students and teachers.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that are most important to me are flexibility, creativity, dedication, relationship-building, and advocacy. I believe in adapting when circumstances change, finding creative ways to engage learners, and remaining dedicated to the people I serve. Building genuine relationships and advocating for both learners and educators have been central to my approach throughout my career.
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