Joel Estes

Meet Professor Estes

"I have served as a teacher, coach, principal, and assistant superintendent in a career that has spanned 36 years in public education. I am particularly concerned with educational policy, elementary education, and literacy. Our program focuses on schooling that values the learner and looks to build teachers who seek to educate the whole child. I am a teacher, and teaching is the most important thing I've ever done!"

Years at Knox: 2008 to present

Education

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

Selected Professional Achievements

Honors/Grants

"Incorporating Interactive Whiteboard Technology into Teacher Education at
Knox College," Frederick E. and Ida H. Hummel Foundation, 2013.

Professional Service

Member, Phi Delta Kappa (PDK), 1989-present.

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

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

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

Western Region Director, 2002-2003.

Campus & Community Involvement

ViceChair of the Board, Galesburg Community Foundation, 2008-present.
Member, Galesburg Noon Rotary Club, 2008-present.
Church Council, Grace Lutheran Church, Knoxville, 2009-present.
Advisor, Knox College Blessings in a Backpack, 2012-present.
Member, Education Task Force, Galesburg Area Chamber of Commerce, 2003-2012.

What Students Say
"Joel is unlike any other professor I've had. He incorporates poems, novels, TED talks, videos, anything he considers applicable to his subject into his every day lessons to alleviate the monotony of a lecture-style classroom. His greatest strength, however, and what inspired me to become his teaching assistant, is his understanding that he has as much to learn from his students as they from him; there is no better role model for aspiring teachers than someone with so much experience who still so desires to learn. Joel is wonderful and has been a huge part of why I love Knox."
-Carly Taylor, Creative Writing major

"Professor Joel Estes is the most dedicated, engaged, and kind-hearted human being I have yet to meet. He is extremely passionate about helping school-aged children learn and live happy, successful lives and is extremely knowledgeable about the school system that surrounds this concern. I have found that his strong desire to positively impact American education brings a powerful energy to his classroom, motivating students to really indulge in the class subject matter. Joel invests his time and energy into each and every student, not only helping them grasp class related material, but aiding them to recognize their own potential as individuals and potential educators."
-Lindsey Morgan, Elementary Education and French double-major

"As a senior at Knox, I have experienced a variety of teaching styles, each having their own benefits. Professor Estes is a stand out professor in my opinion because he has had such a great impact on me in such little time. After only taking one education class with him, I almost considered changing majors completely. The reason being, is that he has the ability to inspire students to learn independently. I often found myself with the urge to learn more about the educational system of our country, even after my assigned homework was completed. Not only that, but he genuinely cares for each individual student, and he makes an effort to maintain that relationship throughout your time here at Knox."
-Drew Diaz, Chemistry and Sports Medicine major