Dr. Joan Islas

Dr. Joan C. Islas has served with DoDEA for 13 years.  During that time, she has held the positions of classroom teacher, assistant principal, and principal before being appointed the Assistant Superintendent of the Bavaria District.

Prior to joining the DoD system, Joan worked in California in the public and private school settings as an elementary school educator with a focus on multi-age and multi-cultural education.    

She began her DoDEA career as a multi-age teacher at C.T. Joy Elementary School in Jinhae, South Korea. Throughout the following 8 years of her educational career in the Korean District, Dr. Islas continuously elevated her commitment to create a focused partnership with parents and the community.     

Joan firmly believes that: "It is our charge as educators to uncover the unique strengths and talents that lie within each of our students and to patiently yet persistently guide all students towards reaching their full potential.  In partnership with our parents and local community, we can create a strong support system to nurture our children as they realize their goals and dreams."  

In 1988, Joan earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education, with a minor in Psychology from Seton Hall University, New Jersey.   She completed a Master's of Science Degree in Foundations of Education at Troy University, Seoul Korea, in 2001, and then earned her Doctorate's Degree in Educational Leadership at Argosy University, California, two years later.  

For Joan's outstanding performance as a multi-age teacher in Korea in 2003, Joan was awarded the Presidential Award for Excellence in Teaching Mathematics and Science.  She represented DoDEA in March of that year; she flew to Washington, D.C., to accept her award and meet then First Lady, Mrs. Laura Bush.   

Throughout her career as an educator, Joan has been recognized for her active role in education and community issues, but her most valued recognition came in 2008, when she was presented the Commander's Award for Civilian Service from the Department of the Army. This honor awarded her efforts and dedication in creating a Parent University and preparing and planning for the reconfiguration of Humphreys Elementary School to a K-8 Elementary/Middle School, as well as establishing strong partnerships with local Korean schools.

Joan and her husband, Alberto, are the proud parents of two daughters, both of whom have graduated from DoDEA schools. Their oldest daughter graduated this year from the University of South Florida with a degree in Business Management, while their youngest daughter was awarded a full Army ROTC Scholarship for Nursing and currently attends her mom's alma mater, Seton Hall University.   

Dr. Joan Islas is honored to be an educational leader in a system where she has the privilege of serving our military children and working alongside America's most dedicated heroes as they serve to protect the freedoms of our country.

Area Leadership