Meet Joanne Araki, A Distinguished Educator

Joanne Araki has served the students of the Nursing program for 25 years. She began her career at De Anza in 1980 when she was hired to develop, coordinate, and teach in the RN Refresher Program. "She immediately impressed students and colleagues with her enthusiasm, high standards, and community service," said Vice President of Instruction Judy Miner. "Her dedication to nursing education continues to be as intense and profound as the first day she arrived at De Anza."

In the classroom, Joanne displays excellent instructional and interpersonal skills. Her presentations are thorough, well-paced and lively. She deftly manages questions and answers so that students progress through material in a logical sequence. Her patience and talent for lowering student anxiety make her a role model for educators from any discipline.

Colleagues describe Joanne as professional, collaborative, energetic, sensitive and creative. "Students respect her and she's extremely approachable," said Jean Burke, nursing instructional associate and close friend. "She has a vast experience in nursing and teaching that she is so willing to share with them."

After working for about five years as a registered nurse in the critical care areas, Joanne realized that she enjoyed teaching the patients and staff. "It was then I decided to pursue my education and received my master's in nursing education and community health nursing," Joanne said. "I remember my psychiatric instructor at the University of Hawaii till this day. Her name was Constance Carino, and after taking her class I thought of practicing in psychiatric nursing but changed my mind and became a critical care nurse after graduation. In practice, a heart surgeon, by the name of Dr. Shumway, really impacted me. He was an excellent surgeon and teacher at Stanford Hospital in the ICU when I practiced there. He taught me to never rely on machines and to always look at my patient. He said that's why computers will never take the place of a human being. He's so right– even till this day."

Joanne loves to learn and inspires her students to carry a love of learning from her classroom into their lives. "She helps them branch out into the other possibilities of the nursing profession," said Jean.

Judith Clavijo, executive head of De Anza's Nursing Program, said Joanne has always been very dedicated to her students. "When there is a language barrier Joanne goes the extra mile to help each one. Students appreciate her patience and willingness to guide them in stressful situations."

Judith also praised Joanne's positive attitude during difficult times. "She's a great team player and an excellent role model for her students. She influences people by showing a smile during adversity and looking at the bright side of every situation," Judith added. "And she's very creative about using different teaching techniques to increase learning opportunities for the diversity in the classroom."

Joanne uses case studies, group work, discussions, lectures and audiovisuals to reach her students. "Hopefully each learner can benefit from at least a few of these different teaching styles," she said. "I get bored easily too and like to teach diverse subjects."

She values diversity in her students, too. "I enjoy the variety of students the most: variety in not only ethnicity, but in ages and gender," Joanne said. "It's great to see more men in nursing. My husband is a nurse and loved what he was doing. He's retired now, but took care of the children when they were ill and did a better job than me."

Colleagues and students alike will miss Joanne as she is joining her husband in retirement this spring. "I can't imagine life here without her," said Jean. "My whole life here we've worked so closely together, and so well as a team. She is truly a distinguished educator!"

Joanne hopes her nursing students remember the difference between understanding and memorizing in nursing, that the textbook has the ideal situation and the bedside is reality. "I've been a nurse since 1972 and have never forgotten what it's like to be a student, to be a patient, and to be a health care provider. Empathy, compassion, confidence, integrity, knowledge, flexibility, humor, and safety are qualities that are so important in this profession," Joanne said.

She chose "The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency" by Alexander McCall Smith from Judy's stash of autographed books.