It is a true honor to serve as J.Y. Joyner Magnet Elementary Schools principal.  The passion, dedication, and global views of creating a love of learning drives our every changing world for the better of our future together. We aim to inspire, care, and create a more peaceful world that looks beyond the norm. Each day the hallways & classrooms at Joyner are full of our school family collaborating in critical thought creating internationally minded students who recognize that they share this common ground learning from one anothers diverse worlds yet they are guardians of the future.  They are the most amazing in that they seek out their love of learning in ways that inspire others.  I am proud and humbled to work alongside the inspiring JYJ teachers that continue to create a school culture that celebrates creating a world that is equitable and aims to reach every kid no matter where their journey in life has taken them.  The thing you will learn quickly about our JYJ family is they will have your back in understanding, will value your voice, and continue to stay on top of all partnerships as we are all in this together for the common good of our kids futures.  They are that special and I do not doubt our kids will remember them as one of their people in life that inspired their futures.

A little about Ms. Zezza:

I am a native italian/sicilian/french canadian of New York and moved down to North Carolina in 2001 to call this place home. As a kid I was a creative artistic kid that loved to play school and venture outside until it was dinner time with my brother and friends. From childhood until now I love to ski, workout, play tennis, go jetskiing, hit up a football or baseball game and value spending time with friends and family. Growing up in NY and my travels overseas over the years have humbled me to value people from all backgrounds in life. Best part about that is I absolutely love to make a homecooked meal for the ones I love because I believe time with others is beyond precious and who doesn't love a homecooked meal :)

I began my journey in loving the world of education through being inspired from a great leader that taught all of us to aim towards our highest being but to always do it together as our kids were always at the forefront of anything we sought out to do.  I absolutely loved teaching 3rd-5th grade at Wildwood Forest and was honored as one of their teachers of the year, served in multiple leadership roles and eventually decided to dive into a new challenge.  In 2008, I began the next chapter of my teaching journey at Ligon GT Magnet Middle School where I served as a 6th grade teacher, math intervention 6-8 and several really unique electives that made me realize my love of magnet schools was where I was always meant to be.  The power of magnet is something that is a gamechanger for kids to find themselves, their passions in life and for public education to evolve into what is best for students futures.  It was there I was inspired by my principal to move beyond the classroom and serve our school community as an assistant principal for 5 years.  The most amazing aspect of this experience was I was able to see the heart of Joyner students that joined us as strong global students and I knew it was definitely a very special place.  Little did I know at the time, I was going to be the lucky one to call it my next home. 

I am thrilled to serve as the Assistant Principal of J.Y. Joyner Elementary!! Joyner is truly a great place to work with an energetic, committed and caring staff! The Joyner family is like none other, the combination of staff, students and parents are absolutely amazing! It is truly the PEOPLE that make this school one that I’m honored to call home!  

 I have been in education for over 13 years. My first teaching position was in a second grade classroom. After seven years, I moved to a fourth grade position.  I enjoyed 11 years as a classroom teacher before becoming an Elementary MTSS Coach for the Southwestern Region.

 My first degree, a BS in Accounting, was awarded by Elizabeth City State University – Viking Pride!   When my passion for educating children and desire to learn motivated me to change careers, I earned my K-6 elementary teaching certification from North Carolina Central University – Eagle Pride!   In May 2015, I earned my Masters in School Administration from East Carolina University – Go Pirates!

 I am the proud mother of one son, Jalan. Outside of school, I am very active in my church as the Coordinator for the Education and Career Development ministry. I love supporting students and families as they journey through school and help to empower and encourage academic success. In my spare time, I love listening to music, spending time with family and friends, and shopping, shopping, shopping!

Hello! My name is Sheryl Davis-Jackson and I couldn't be more excited to be apart of the Joyner family! I have taught 3rd grade for 10 years at the very school I student taught from college. I attended Longwood University in Farmville, VA for my bachelors degree and Averett University in Danville, VA for my masters degree. When moving to NC, I taught 4th grade at JYJ before taking the position to become the Magnet Coordinator. My extremely large family is full of educators and administrators. Being certified in K-8 education as well as Curriculum and Instruction has given me loads of opportunities to grow as a teacher. I love new books and trying new challenges. Traveling and learning about new cultures are also some of the things I enjoy!  I recently have found a love for gardening as well. IB is my passion and I start each year anxious to grow and learn with the teachers and students at Joyner!

I am a San Diego native and graduated from SDSU. I am in my 22nd year at WCPSS. I am married and have two amazing kids who both graduated from college! I enjoy bike riding and kayaking and I camp as much as possible!

This is my 15th year at JOYner.  I love coming to work every day...the kids, the parents, the staff. I never know what to expect, but it almost always begins and ends with a great big smile and sometimes a hug! I love to travel!  Riding a camel bareback in Morocco, skiing down the Zugspitze mountain in Germany, para-sailing in the Bahamas, visiting my dad in Barranquilla, and swimming with the dolphins in Cancun are just a few of my favorite memories!  I love to bake, quilt and read. I never knew I'd fall in love again and again and again....3 grandsons and 1 granddaughter.  I live well, laugh often and love much.  I am truly blessed.

My name is Elizabeth Ferriter and I am the receptionist here at Joyner. I am a Raleigh native and a fan of the NC State Wolfpack, Canes hockey, Buffalo Bills football and St. Louis Cardinals baseball. My husband Bill teaches middle school here in Wake County and our daughter Reece is starting 6th grade at Martin Middle. I love spending time at the beach, watching movies and traveling. I enjoy getting to know all of our students and their families here at Joyner. Welcome to the JYJ family.