Joel Vilinsky joined Sun Valley Community School in 2000, and currently teaches English Language Arts and History for seventh grade. He also serves as a Middle School girls volleyball coach. Joel previously directed the Middle School drama department for 20 years, and teaches Creative Writing, Play Writing, Acting, Improvisation, and Beach Volleyball. He is a past chair of the English Department. Prior to arriving at Sun Valley Community School, Joel taught for 14 years in Brooklyn, New York and Williamsburg, Virginia.
Joel holds a BS in Psychology and a BA in English from the University of Albany, an M.Ed. in secondary English education from Tufts University, and completed an Eastern Virginia Writing Fellowship at College of William and Mary.
In his work in the classroom and in the theatre, Joel appreciates his students' engagement. "They're always teaching me what I don't know, and pointing out what I didn't see," he says. He also loves to see the learning that happens when students are able to challenge themselves to step beyond their comfort zone. "Edging students from the nest, whether it be exploring new talents or taking academic risks during discussions and projects, is what's most inspiring every day," he notes.
An experienced actor, Joel appeared regularly in productions for Hailey's Company of Fools theater of which he was a founding member, before it closed in 2020 due to COVID. He enjoys reading, writing, playing volleyball, and spending time with his wife, Jeanne.