Joan Gillman: Building Curious Minds Through Science, Creativity, and Care 

From carefully measuring snowfall in her backyard to guiding students through hands-on science projects decades later, Joan Gillman’s journey has always been shaped by curiosity, discipline, and a deep love for learning. What began as a childhood fascination with weather, simple experiments, and building imaginative worlds slowly grew into a lifelong commitment to education. Today, Gillman stands as a respected educator at The Browning School, known for her ability to make science meaningful, inclusive, and engaging for students across age groups. 

With more than four decades in the classroom, Gillman’s impact goes far beyond lesson plans and labs. She has helped generations of students build confidence, develop critical thinking skills, and discover the joy of understanding how the world works. Her work reflects a belief that education is not only about knowledge, but also about care, creativity, and responsibility toward society and the planet. 

A Leadership Philosophy Rooted in Inclusion and Dedication 

Gillman’s leadership style is shaped by her belief that every child deserves the chance to succeed. Early in her life, while volunteering and teaching during her high school years, she learned the importance of including all children, not just the most confident or naturally gifted ones. That principle has guided her throughout her career. 

She is known among colleagues as a disciplined and highly organized professional who brings structure and purpose to her work. At the same time, she values openness and collaboration. Gillman believes that a good teacher must also be a good listener. She remains open to learning from colleagues and adapting her methods to better serve her students. 

Her dedication is unwavering. She approaches teaching with full commitment, believing that effort and consistency are essential to building trust and achieving results. This balance of discipline, empathy, and openness has made her a steady leader in the classroom and a valued mentor within her school community. 

Innovation Through Hands-On Learning 

Innovation has always been central to Gillman’s approach to teaching science. From her early experience working with deaf students in a junior high school, she learned the power of hands-on learning to explain complex ideas. That lesson stayed with her and became a defining feature of her teaching style. 

In her classrooms, students do not simply read about science. They build, test, create, and present. Younger students design simple structures to understand engineering concepts, while older students develop projects such as public service announcements on weather safety. These activities allow students to show understanding in different ways and help them connect science to real life. 

Even during challenging times, Gillman found ways to innovate. When the pandemic forced classes online, she transformed her kitchen into a science lab. By preparing students and parents in advance and using everyday materials, she created interactive virtual experiments. Parents later shared how surprised they were by the level of engagement she achieved. For Gillman, innovation is not about technology alone. It is about creativity, preparation, and a willingness to adapt. 

Challenges That Shaped a Strong Educator 

Throughout her career, Gillman has faced challenges that tested her resolve and shaped her growth. Early on, while teaching in the South Bronx, she encountered classrooms with wide differences in reading levels. Rather than lower expectations, she chose to meet each student where they were, running multiple levels of instruction to support every learner. Her commitment sent a clear message that she was there to stay and to serve her students fully. 

Some moments were emotionally demanding. When the Challenger space shuttle disaster occurred, Gillman had to explain the tragic news to young students who had eagerly followed the mission. She approached the situation with care, honesty, and sensitivity, helping students process the event without fear. This experience reinforced her understanding of how deeply teachers influence students’ lives beyond academics. 

Another challenge came when she was asked to teach younger grade levels at The Browning School, in addition to older students. Embracing the change, she discovered a new appreciation for early science education and refined her ability to tailor lessons to different developmental stages. 

Milestones and Recognition 

Gillman’s dedication has been recognized through numerous awards and honors. In 2025, she was named “Top Educator of the Year 2025” by the International Association of Top Professionals, followed by recognition as one of the “Top 25 Global Impact Leaders.” She is also set to receive a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2026. 

Earlier milestones include the Urhy Teacher of the Year Award, which she received in 2017, a moment she describes as deeply meaningful because it reflected recognition from her own school community. Over the years, she has also been honored by Marquis Who’s Who and featured in respected publications and leadership lists that highlight her influence in education. 

Despite these achievements, Gillman measures success differently. She often notes that her greatest reward is seeing students become confident learners who carry their curiosity forward into life. 

A Vision for the Future of Education 

Even after more than 43 years in the classroom, Gillman has no plans to step away. She continues to teach science and lead The Green Team at The Browning School, encouraging students to become thoughtful stewards of the environment. Environmental education, in her view, is not optional. It is essential for preparing responsible future citizens. 

She also remains actively involved in professional development, both as a learner and as a presenter. By attending workshops and conferences, she keeps her knowledge current and brings fresh ideas back to her students. Through presenting at conferences, she supports and inspires newer educators, sharing practical strategies and lessons learned over decades of experience. 

Gillman is also closely involved in aligning science curricula with Next Generation Science Standards. This work reflects her belief in strong foundations and continuous improvement within education systems. 

Lasting Human and Industry Impact 

Joan Gillman’s impact is felt not only in awards or titles but in classrooms filled with engaged learners. Her teaching has helped students overcome fear, discover confidence, and develop a lasting interest in science. Many carry forward the values she models: curiosity, responsibility, and respect for others. 

Her influence also extends to the broader education community. By sharing her experience, embracing new methods, and staying open to change, she represents a model of lifelong learning. She often reminds aspiring educators that teaching is demanding, but deeply rewarding, and that support from fellow teachers is always within reach. 

After decades of service, Gillman remains guided by a simple belief. Education has the power to shape thoughtful individuals who can make wise decisions and positive contributions to society. Through her steady leadership, creative teaching, and genuine care for students, Joan Gillman continues to prove that lasting impact begins in the classroom.