Joanna Best
Founder/Director | Educator | Musician
Professional Overview
Joanna Best is a versatile education and music professional with over 20 years of experience across a range of academic and creative roles. As the Founder and Director of Scissors and Glue, she leads a thriving arts-based education organization while also serving as an Adjunct Instructor at the University of North Carolina at Asheville. With a strong background in gifted education, music instruction, and program development, Joanna brings a unique interdisciplinary approach to her work.
Experience Summary
Current Role
As the Founder and Director of Scissors and Glue since 2015, Joanna oversees all operations, curriculum design, and program implementation for this innovative arts education company. Under her leadership, Scissors and Glue has become a trusted partner for local schools, providing engaging, hands-on learning experiences that integrate the arts and academics.
Joanna also serves as an Adjunct Instructor at the University of North Carolina at Asheville, where she has taught a variety of courses since 2018. In this role, she develops and delivers curriculum focused on creativity, interdisciplinary learning, and the power of the arts in education.
Career Progression
Joanna has extensive experience as an educator, having held roles such as Music Teacher, K-8 at Kansas City Public Schools and Gifted Education Facilitator at East Central Kansas Cooperative in Education earlier in her career. She has also served in leadership positions, including Dean of Activities at the Summer Institute for the Gifted and Director of the Peace Quest Program in Westport.
In addition to her teaching and administrative work, Joanna has maintained an active presence in the music industry, performing as the lead singer for the bands Jibblin the Froeline and Izabela. Her ability to blend her passion for music and education has been a hallmark of her diverse professional journey.
Academic Background
Joanna holds a Bachelor's degree in Music Education, with a specialization in Choral and Vocal Studies. Her strong academic foundation, combined with her practical experience in the classroom and on stage, has enabled her to develop a well-rounded and impactful approach to education.
Areas of Expertise
- Curriculum development and implementation
- Interdisciplinary and project-based learning
- Gifted and talented education programs
- Music instruction and performance
- Arts integration in K-12 and higher education settings
- Program management and leadership
Professional Impact
Throughout her career, Joanna has spearheaded numerous successful initiatives that have had a meaningful impact on students, educators, and her local community. As the Founder and Director of Scissors and Glue, she has created innovative arts-based programming that has inspired creativity, critical thinking, and a love of learning in thousands of children.
Joanna's work as an Adjunct Instructor has also influenced the next generation of educators, empowering them to incorporate the arts and interdisciplinary approaches into their teaching practices. Her contributions to the field of education, combined with her passion for music, have made her a respected and sought-after figure in her community and beyond.
Conclusion
With her diverse background, strong leadership skills, and unwavering commitment to education and the arts, Joanna Best is poised to continue making a lasting impact on the lives of students, educators, and her community. Her innovative approach and enthusiasm for interdisciplinary learning make her a valuable asset in any academic or creative endeavor.
