Joann Isken

joann@manzanitaschool.org

Jo Ann is currently a Commissioner for the California State Department of Education, and vice-chair of the Instructional Quality Commission.  She was responsible for developing the new frameworks for K-12 mathematics, English Language Arts, and English Language Development standards for the state. In addition to her work for the Department of Education, Jo Ann actively mentors school principals through UCLA’s Principal Leadership Institute. She is also a professor of Educational Leadership at Loyola Marymount University, and was formerly the Assistant Superintendent of Instruction for the Lennox School District, where she led her district’s remarkable innovations in curriculum and pedagogical practices. Previously Jo Ann served as a school principal for over 23 years. Jo Ann served as Chair of the UCLA Principal’s Center (1996-97), was on the Committee on Research for the National Council for Teachers of English (2006), a board member of the International Network of Principals’ Centers, and a board member of the Achievement Council (1999-2001). In 2012, she was named “Woman of the Year” by the Los Angeles County Commission for Women. She holds a Bachelors and Master of Arts degree from UCLA.