ANNIE’S PAGE
TAMI JOINER: A Life-long Calling
When asked if she enjoys her work, Tami responded simply: "I can’t imagine working with any other group of people."
By Craig Escudé, MD, FAAFP, FAADM
Photos by Dennis Wilkes
For more information on Annie Sullivan’s League—or to nominate a colleague for this award — click here.
"People with IDD may learn in unique ways, but they do learn—never forget that."
—Tami Joiner
When you enter the field of support and services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), you quickly realize whether it’s a short-term stop or a lifelong calling. For Tami Joiner, the answer was clear from the start.
For nearly 30 years, Tami has been a special education instructor at Orange Grove School at Orange Grove Center in Tennessee, starting her journey right out of college after earning a B.S. Psychology and a master’s degree in special education. In June 2025, she will celebrate her 30th anniversary – a milestone that reflects her unwavering commitment to the field.
Born into a family of professionals—her father a dentist, her mother an educator—Tami initially considered following in her father’s footsteps. However, she soon discovered her passion lay elsewhere. While earning a bachelor’s degree in psychology, she realized her true calling was working with children. This realization led her to pursue a master’s degree in special education, setting her on the path that would define her career.
The word "support" is often used in discussions about individuals with IDD, but we know that support is essential for everyone. At Orange Grove, Tami found a collaborative environment where experienced colleagues helped guide her during her early years as a teacher. That strong foundation made it clear—this was the right place for her.
Many outsiders mistakenly assume that individuals with IDD are incapable of learning. Tami knows otherwise.
"The growth and change may happen at a slower pace, but they are learning. Their parents see it when their child comes home demonstrating new skills or talking about new concepts."
One particularly moving example is a student of hers who is selectively mute. Though the child does not speak in the classroom, he communicates freely at home. "His parents come back and tell me what their son said about the lesson the previous day. It’s clear that he’s absorbing new information—and enjoying it."
When asked what advice she would give to others in special education, Tami highlights the importance of "sitting in the silence." She describes it as being truly present, attuned to the subtle cues and small changes that can indicate progress, struggles, or new developments in a person’s life. Recognizing and understanding these nuances is a powerful form of communication.
When asked if she enjoys her work, Tami responded simply: "I can’t imagine working with any other group of people."
For her exceptional contributions to special education and the countless lives she has positively impacted, we are honored to welcome Tami Joiner as the newest inductee into the Annie Sullivan League.
Dr. Craig Escudé is a board-certified Fellow of the American Academy of Family Physicians and the American Academy of Developmental Medicine and President of IntellectAbility. He has more than 20 years of clinical experience providing medical care for people with IDD and complex medical and mental health conditions. He is the author of “Clinical Pearls in IDD Healthcare” and developer of the “Curriculum in IDD Healthcare,” an eLearning course used to train clinicians on the fundamentals of healthcare for people with IDD.