At the March meeting of Virginia’s Delta Alpha Chapter of The Delta Kappa Gamma Society International, Dr. Joy Hurt of Blackstone shared with her fellow chapter members the educational philosophy that she published in her book, “What I Wish I Had Known in 1989.” A veteran teacher with 30 years of experience, Dr. Hurt stressed compassion in teaching, above all. In addition, she cited team-work skills, a desire to learn, change and improve, and the ability to build rapport with students and parents as critical pieces to being an effective teacher.

Dr. Hurt is a past president of the Delta Alpha Chapter and has been recognized by the Virginia organization of Delta Kappa Gamma at both the coordinating council and the state level. She has been employed as a full-time English and humanities instructor at The Governor’s School of Southside in Keysville since 1997. However, she has previously taught at a variety of educational levels from eighth grade through high school, including Lunenburg Correctional Center in Victoria.

Dr. Hurt has shared her humorous and common sense approach to education with many new teachers in the surrounding counties as a speaker at events for the opening of the school year. Her primary emphasis is always on the significant way in which teachers can influence and change the lives of their students for the good. Dr. Hurt is an outstanding example of the key women educators that The Delta Kappa Gamma Society International recognizes. Members of the Delta Alpha Chapter live or teach primarily in Brunswick and Lunenburg counties and surrounding areas.