Johanna Sailor

Dr. Johanna Sailor grew up in various states until her family settled in South Dakota, where she graduated high school as a Brookings Bobcat. Her degrees include a B.A. in Broadcast Journalism and Political Science (dual major) from the University of Montana, an M.Ed. in Teaching from the University of Sioux Falls, and an Ed.D. in Educational Leadership from the University of South Dakota. 

She was a news reporter for South Dakota Public Radio before moving into the field of education. Over the years, she has worked as an English language arts, social studies, and journalism teacher; an instructional coach in literacy; a middle school assistant principal; and most recently, an elementary school principal. Sailor recognizes that all can learn but that learning is dependent on the environment and instruction educators provide.

Dr. Sailor teaches undergraduate and graduate education courses related to instructional design, assessment, and classroom management. Her research ideas include high-yield instructional practices, effective social and emotional learning practices, and secondary literacy practices. 

Sailor lives in Rapid City with her husband, two kids, and two dogs. They love spending time outside hiking, biking, and camping.