Joan Sullivan

Founder, Bronx Academy of Letters

Joan Sullivan founded the Bronx Academy of Letters - a public, not charter, school - in the poorest congressional district in America. A few years later it was ranked as one of the top high schools in New York City. Joan tells her story and invites two alumni on-stage as well.

A few months after Gel 2009, Joan was appointed Deputy Mayor of Education in Los Angeles (source).

See also:

• Bronx Academy of Letters

• Followup interview with Joan Sullivan, shortly after Gel 2009, asking the question, "How did you do it?"

Comments

Roger Snowden

Sep 30, 2010 — 02:56 PM

Impressive presentation. Impressive achievements.

Kathryn Uster

Sep 30, 2010 — 07:33 PM

After teaching school for several years, I can relate entirely to this video. I love the fact that Ms. Sullivan does not have a philosophy of education! That's the first question asked at most interviews, and if you're a new teacher, how can you know yet, what your philosophy is? You have to dig in, like the farmer, get your hands dirty, and then learn that, as she states, many philosophies work, and some better with some children than others. This was an excellent presentation, and I feel the biggest things to take away from it are that one must have high expectations of oneself and the students they teach, and as a role model, one does influence the students and gives them wings! Great job!

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