July 13: Joyce Akwaa appointed Assistant Principal at Dake Jr. High School
Ms. Joyce Akwaa was appointed to Assistant Principal of Dake Junior High School at Tuesday night’s Board of Education meeting. She replaces Mrs. Jennifer Brooker, who has shifted back into a teaching role. Ms. Akwaa is scheduled to start today.
“Ms. Akwaa's extensive background as a classroom teacher, expanded learning resource coordinator, and Dean of Students will allow her to seamlessly transition into the role of Assistant Principal,” Principal Maryanne Heiman said. “Her knowledge and use of restorative practices align directly with the work of our district and will help enhance the strong community already present at Dake. “We are thrilled to be welcoming Ms. Akwaa (pronounced ah-KWAH) to our team and look forward to working with her.”
Ms. Akwaa arrives in West Irondequoit with 17 years of experience, most recently as Dean of Students at the Academy of Health Sciences Charter School in Rochester. She began teaching in 2006 at the Clara Barton School #2 in the Rochester City School District. She has taught at a variety of levels and was also an Expanded Learning Resource Coordinator at Abraham Lincoln School #22. She owns a Bachelor’s degree in American Sign Language and Masters from the Warner School of Education at the University of Rochester. She is currently working on her Doctor of Education through the University of Dayton School of Education and Health Sciences.
A Rochester resident, Ms. Akwaa’s family includes her sons, Alan Jr. and Alex, and her life partner, Alan Sr. She is a native of the Bronx and graduate of DeWitt Clinton High School.