Joel Estes

Lecturer in Educational Studies

Contact 309-343-5717 joestes@knox.edu

General Interests
"I am currently the Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction in Galesburg CUSD #205. I am a lifelong public school educator and have a primary interest in elementary education and literacy. I have served as a teacher, coach, principal, and assistant superintendent in a career that has spanned over thirty years. I am particularly interested in schooling that emphasizes the learner versus bureaucratic standardization that emphasizes the banking model of education. Teaching is the best position I have ever held!"

Years at Knox: 2007 to present

Education
M.S.Ed., 1989, Western Illinois University.
B.A., 1976, Illinois Wesleyan University.

Professional Service
Member, Phi Delta Kappa (PDK), 1989-2010.

Member, Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (ASCD), 1989-2010.

Member, Illinois Principals Association (IPA), 1989-2010.

Western Region Director, 2002-2003.

District Liaison for Student Teaching Placements, Western Illinois University, 2003-2010.

Campus & Community Involvement
ViceChair of the Board, Galesburg Community Foundation, 2008-2010.
Member, Galesburg Noon Rotary Club, 2008-2010.
Church Council, Grace Lutheran Church, Knoxville, 2009-2010.
Member, Education Task Force, Galesburg Area Chamber of Commerce, 2003-2010.

What Students Say
"Professor Joel Estes is a teacher who makes a point to connect meaningfully with his students. He combines his experiences both as a classroom teacher and as an administrator to pose questions that force his students to think complexly about educational issues. Professor Estes instills in students a passion for education and the belief that it has the power to change lives and the world."
-Mike Dooley, Educational Studies and Spanish major

"Joel Estes is a visionary educator both in his classroom and in his professional life. His commitment to improving our public school systems is infectious, and his students feel motivated when leaving his classroom to make a positive difference in the world. Even though he does not have an office on campus Professor Estes is very easy to reach and will respond very quickly to students' concerns and questions. Above all else Joel is compassionate, kind, funny, brilliant, and an inspirational human being."
-Aubrey Cunat, Educational Studies major, Theatre Performance minor