“Extraordinary pedagogic ability… extremely understanding…timely responses…wonderful style.” This rave review from a Laurel Springs parent refers to Joy Nehr, who teaches high school English. Joy brings to the virtual classroom seventeen years of teaching experience, an impressive list of credentials, and a deep passion for connecting with her students through reading and writing. Joy says, “I have more job satisfaction in this position than in any other job I’ve had. Period.”
In addition to her position as a Laurel Springs teacher, Joy also serves as the English Department chair and the Gifted Department chair. Additionally, she spends time with her students as the faculty sponsor of extracurricular activities such as the National Honor Society and the Model United Nations club. Diane Elliott, Assistant Director of Education for Teacher Services, says, “Joy is filled with a love for her students.” Her responsibilities at Laurel Springs School keep her very busy, but Joy described her partnership with our school as “a conversation between friends, from the beginning.”
As part of a military family, Joy has lived all over the U.S. and the world. She has taught in North Carolina, Utah, Texas and Arizona, as well as in the United Kingdom, for the Department of Defense. She has teaching certifications from multiple states, and specialized degrees in gifted education and online education. Joy also holds a College Board certification to teach Advanced Placement (AP) English.
In addition to her extensive training and experience, Joy has a special ability to tailor classwork for each individual student. According to one Laurel Springs parent, Joy “has been both creative in her own right and receptive to suggestions from her students’ parents regarding a curriculum designed to foster love of reading, skill in analytical thinking and coherent writing.” Joy says that her secret is simply “to know the students, to talk with them, and to know where their interests lie. It’s also important to know the parents, and understand their goals for their child’s education.”
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