Cherry-Ann Joseph-Hislop is an Assistant Principal at P.S 59 in Brooklyn. She began her teaching career in Trinidad and Tobago over 15 years ago and then accepted a contract from the Bahamas as a specialty teacher for piano and voice from 1999 to 2001. A new experience awaited Cherry-Ann as she joined the New York City Department of Education in 2001 and began her work as a Special Education teacher. Her love for teaching was evident in her work, and her philosophy that every child can learn propelled her teaching practices.
Cherry-Ann considers herself a lifelong learner and enrolled in Cohort 8 of the CITE admin program, given in partnership with the College of St. Rose, to complete her school building leader certification and her school district administration certification. In addition to working as a classroom teacher, Cherry-Ann has served the New York City Department of Education in capacities such as Lead Teacher, Master Teacher, Staff Developer, and now Assistant Principal.
Her desire for excellence did not stop there, she later on decided to enroll in Cohort 5 of the online CITE / CUC doctoral program in education. This was her greatest challenge because now she had to balance, work, family life, and the doctoral course work. As a mother of two, a wife, and a full time employee, Cherry-Ann was determined to succeed in all of these roles. Her goal was achieved when she completed her doctoral studies in three years and graduated with her family at her side on December 14, 2014.
Cherry-Ann attributes her success to God and a supportive network of family and friends. Her goal is to turnaround failing schools. This was the focus of the dissertation she defended and is the most rewarding experience for Cherry-Ann as an educator. Cherry-Ann balances her life and an educator with her love for music. When she is not in the classroom, she can be found traveling around the world performing as a gospel singer. This, she claims, is her ministry, and adds tremendous meaning to her life. When asked what is her goal in life, Cherry-Ann responded, “I am moving towards the quintessence of excellence with God on my side.” Her life and work exemplifies excellence and there is no room for procrastination or mediocrity.
For more from Dr. Joseph-Hislop, see: http://www.uft.org/teacher-teacher/data-driven-approach-teaching-literacy
