Joel Key is an educator, school leader, and systems designer with over two decades of service in public education. As a doctoral student in the Berkeley School of Education's Leaders for Equity and Democracy (LEAD), Joel is exploring promising practices, pedagogies, and partnerships for teacher retention and post-secondary pathways. He currently serves as Associate Director of Talent and Human Resources at Envision Education, where he leads equitable recruitment, teacher development, and strategic partnerships across a network of schools committed to transformational outcomes for first-generation college bound students. His current work focuses on diversifying the teacher pipeline, supporting the development of BIPOC educators, and mentoring cross-functional teams in areas ranging from operations to professional development.
Joel’s professional journey began in the Bronx as a Spanish and Art teacher and has evolved through roles including advisor, vice principal, and founding principal. He launched Impact Academy Middle Grades in Hayward, CA, a community-driven middle school grounded in restorative practices and culturally responsive pedagogy. His leadership is shaped by collaboration, reflection, and a deep commitment to reimagining educational systems through an equity lens.
Joel holds a Master’s degree in Spanish and Teaching from the City University of New York and a BA in Art and Spanish from Occidental College. He is certified in both California and New York and holds a Clear California Administrative Services Credential through New Leaders’ Aspiring Principals and Principal Institute cohorts.
