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Ashley Principal Reflects on 41 Years in Education
June 8, 2023 – Ashley Academy Principal Joanell Gatling is retiring from her position at the end of the school year, and during her 41 years as an educator, she’s picked up more than a few words of wisdom to pass along to the school’s leaders of the future.
Gatling began her educational career as an Exceptional Children’s teacher in 1982. She grew up with two older sisters who were teachers, and she can remember sitting around the table with them every Sunday night as they worked on their lesson plans and asking them questions about what it was like to teach. A career in the classroom was always her plan, and when she eventually made the jump to assistant principal at Mineral Springs Elementary in 2004, then principal at South Fork in 2015, she maintained her teacher’s perspective to be the most effective leader she could be.
“I was able to look at the job through the lens of a teacher,” Gatling said. “When it came to understanding parents and the development of children, it gave me a lot of insight.”
At every level of leadership, Gatling’s focus has been on meeting the needs of her students. She’s always worked at Title I schools, so her students have always faced additional hurdles to learning outside of the classroom. She can relate to growing up under financial hardship, but she was fortunate to have parents who took her education very seriously and did whatever it took to see her succeed. Now, she sees her career as an opportunity to give every student that same support.
“I wanted to give back to the children who, if I hadn’t had the parents I had who really imparted the importance of education, I would have faced the same things they do,” Gatling said.
41 years is a lot of time for things to change, and Gatling has seen an overwhelming amount of transformation in the way schools operate since the 80s. Technology is more integrated in the classroom than ever before, and the relationship between educators and students’ families has gotten more complicated. She was only at Ashley for a week before schools first shut down during the pandemic, and the following months were unlike anything educators had ever encountered. However, practicing adaptability is a major asset for any educator – it’s one of the most important traits you can have if you want to make sure every student gets the most out of school.
“We’re often presented with a one-size-fits-all approach, and I don’t think that’s really what we need in schools,” Gatling said. “You have to meet students where they are… you have to make them feel validated.”
There will be a new principal at Ashley next year, but Gatling doubts she’ll stay retired for long. Once she’s enjoyed some time to rest, she’ll be back in Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools as a volunteer whenever she has the time. She’s built a strong connection with her school community and wants to continue supporting them in any way possible. If the next generation of leaders at Ashley puts that same emphasis on community, she’s sure they’ll be just fine.
“If you take the time to build those genuine relationships, you’ll find people who will buy into your vision, and together, you can make it a reality,” Gatling said.