Joan Ava Gillman has transformed teaching science into an odyssey of discovery. As a seasoned educator at The Browning School in New York City, Gillman inspires her students to think beyond the textbook. She uses everything from recycled materials to intricate engineering challenges to spark creativity. With over four decades of teaching experience, her impact extends beyond the classroom walls. Gillman’s impact is felt across STEM education and environmental stewardship.
An Educator and Role Model
Gillman graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts from Felician University in 1980. She followed this with a master’s degree in education from the New York University Steinhardt School of Culture, Education and Human Development in 1982. She is a strong advocate for professional growth. “I’m not a teacher who is stuck in the past. I’m someone who’s always continuing my professional development,” she says.
Gillman’s advanced learning includes becoming a National Geographic Certified Educator and completing mentorship through the Modern Classroom Project. She views her passion for academic enrichment as more than a personal endeavor. Gillman, who has taught second, fourth, fifth, and sixth graders, understands the value of leading by example. “I try to model the same behavior myself so that my students can become lifelong learners,” she explains.
A Creative Model for STEM Education
At The Browning School, a prestigious college preparatory institution for boys, Gillman plays an integral role in shaping young minds. One popular project involved students using recyclables to construct models. “They would bring in boxes, old cans, cartons, you name it,” she describes.
This engineering unit caught the attention of the National Science Teaching Association, which invited Gillman to present at its New Orleans conference. She conducted a “Bridges, Buildings, and Structures, Oh My!” workshop inspired by the classroom assignment.
Additionally, Gillman leads the Green Team, a school-wide sustainability club that organizes events like Biodiversity Day and cleanups in Central Park. Through these initiatives, Gillman instills a sense of environmental responsibility in students.
A Celebrated Career
Gillman’s achievements are numerous. She was named a Marquis Top Educator, one of the Top 10 Empowering Women Leaders of 2024, and the Most Inspiring Educator in Science Education Award in 2024. She also graced the pages of Forbes, the New Yorker, and Time magazines.
Gillman’s accolades include the Urhy Thompson Teacher of the Year Award and recognition as an Educator Ambassador for NASA’s Mars Atmosphere and Volatile Evolution Mission. However, for Gillman, the true reward lies in watching her students thrive. “Let the students know you care,” she shares.
A Creative Spirit Beyond the Classroom
Although she has a busy career, Gillman finds time to nurture her artistic side. Aside from being a gifted science and mathematics teacher, she is a talented violinist and pianist. She plays violin with multiple renowned orchestras, including the Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra, the North Jersey Symphony Orchestra, and The August Symphony Orchestra. This creative dimension enriches her personal and professional life.
Throughout her 40-plus-year career, Gillman has dealt with challenges. “There are definitely going to be days when you’re going to feel discouraged,” she admits. However, she has encouraging words that have helped her rise above the obstacles to become an elite educator. “If you keep a sense of humor and not give up, you can get through even in those darkest days,” she says.
