About The Joyful Educator
The Joyful Educator offers coaching, strategic planning, and professional development for educators focused on balance, well being, and trust.
When educators feel supported, connected, and able to do their best work, students benefit. Strong teams, grounded teachers, and connected leaders create schools where people want to stay—and where students can thrive.
With 30 years of educational leadership experience in the classroom, through coaching, and in school administration, we have a proven record of helping educators achieve high standards at work while maintaining life balance.
About Jackie Smith, MEd, EdS
Founder and Educator
Jackie holds degrees from the University of Wisconsin–Madison (BA), the University of Minnesota (MEd), and Concordia University (EdS). She is a Qualified Administrator of the Intercultural Development Inventory, with certifications in Cognitive Coaching and leadership development through Prizmah’s You Lead program Jackie has supported countless peers, teachers, and administrators through coaching and strategic planning.
Jackie's formal training is complemented by years of experience teaching adults, in public and independent schools, adult and parent education, and community classes and workshops. Formative highlights include annual professional development conferences in rural Bolivia, an experience that shapes her perspective on teaching, leadership, and community. She continues to present at professional conferences, and educational settings, bringing a grounded and practical approach to leadership and school culture development.
Jackie is guided by a commitment to help educators connect with their purpose and build meaningful, sustainable careers in education.