Meet Dr. Joanna Simpson
Welcome to the next installment of our "Faculty & Staff Spotlight" series on the Trailblazers blog!
Dr. Joanna Simpson, the Program Director of Teacher Credentialing at USU's College of Education, has swiftly made a significant impact here at USU. Starting as a Credential Analyst, Dr. Simpson's journey reflects a deep commitment to education, shaped by a decade of teaching in challenging urban environments and extensive experience in higher education. Her path from classroom to academia highlights her dedication to fostering future educators.
To explore more about Dr. Simpson's insights, experiences, and the impactful projects she’s worked on here at USU, dive into the full Q&A below.
Q: What is your current role at USU? Would you like to share how long you've been here?
A: I'm the Program Director over Teacher Credentialing in the College of Education. I've been here for 2 years and started as a Credential Analyst in the Office of Educational Placements and Partnerships.
Q: Can you share a little about your professional background?
A: I taught English in inner-city Phoenix and Atlanta for 10 years before entering higher education. I've worked as a tenure track faculty member at a Research 1 institution, directed million-dollar grants, and have worked extensively in curriculum for pre-service and in-service teachers. I've been in higher education for about 15 years now and absolutely love helping students become teachers!
Q: What is your favorite aspect of your role at USU?
A: Hands down my favorite thing to do is credential students. The process itself is a bit tedious but I love the reactions when I send them the "credentialed" email.
Q: Can you tell us about a project, course, or initiative at USU that you're particularly proud of?
A: There are several. I'm located in AZ so getting approval for AZ teacher education programs was awesome. I also spearheaded the WASC submission for our EdD and EDS programs and getting that approved was a great feeling.
Q: How has your area of expertise or field changed since you first started working in it?
A: We are a small team here in the College of Education so we all wear many hats. I started working in our Office of Educational Placements & Partnerships and now they report to me so that has been some fun growth.
Q: What advice would you give to students in your field?
A: You started this journey because you love working with students. Don't forget that. Keep it in the forefront of your mind when you encounter apathy in the students, misunderstandings with the adults, and paperwork. You love those kids.
Q: Is there a common misconception about your field that you'd like to clear up?
A: If you can't do, you teach. <----- Actually, if you DO anything it is because you were taught. Teachers create all other professions.
Q: Can you share an interesting fact about yourself that your colleagues and students may not know?
A: I'm a breast cancer survivor.
Q: What's one hobby or pastime you enjoy outside of your work?
A: That's a difficult question to answer because I'm a multipotentialite so I have a TON of hobbies. I think my most time consuming hobby are my plants. I have 28 plants inside my house and an entire greenhouse outside. Also, I live in the desert but all of my plants are tropical. It's an addiction.
Q: What book, movie, or music piece has significantly impacted you and why?
A: This is tough because I'm a reader and a writer. I'd have to say the Throne of Glass series as a whole changed me because of the strong female lead. I aspire to be as strong as Celaena Sardothien/Aelin Galathynius. I actually told Sarah Maas (the author) that at a convention we attended together and she said she felt the same way.
Q: What's the best piece of advice you've ever received and who was it from?
A: The advice was from my mom, who passed in November of 2022. She was my best friend. She told me to build communities that are so strong nobody really knows who the leader is. I love that advice and still use it. I value every person equally because of her advice and look for community builders when I hire new folks to work with us in COE.
Q: What's an accomplishment or event you're most proud of outside of your professional career?
A: Raising my daughters. They are incredible - Jules is 15 and she is an actress, a model, and an athlete. Sage is almost 13 and she is a gamer, guitarist, and a video editor. They are incredible kids doing incredible things and I love being along for the ride.
Q: If you could pick up a new skill in an instant, what would it be and why?
A: You know, I don't think I would. I knit, take care of tons of plants and animals, read, write and publish books, and work on puzzles and mini book nooks. I do not need any other skills at the moment. Well, maybe a Jedi mind trick that would let me calm down people in an instant. That would be cool.
Q: Is there anything else you'd like the USU community to know about you?
A: I'm ALWAYS willing to help.
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