National Space Club awards Mrinal Joshi at Journey Middle School as National Educator of the Year

MADISON – Mrinal Joshi at Journey Middle School has received the National Educator of the Year Award from the National Space Club.

At Journey, Joshi teaches Math Team, grades 6-8; and accelerated math, grade 6. She hold the National Certificate for STEM Teaching.

“I was blessed to have been nominated (which I had no idea about) and win,” Joshi said.

The black-tie Space Ball event on Oct. 29 opened with a VIP reception at 5 p.m. with official photos. An audience of 2,500 local business people, civic leaders and space enthusiasts witnessed Joshi accept her award in Von Braun Center’s Saturn Hall during the Wernher von Braun Memorial Dinner, dubbed ‘The Space Prom.’

In notifying Madison City Schools about Joshi’s award, National Space Club said she “was up against some extremely notable STEM educators. (The club realizes) she invests so much into her students and math team. She believes in her kids. Ms. Joshi provides every possible opportunity to succeed.”

“Her kids are so much better in this world for having had her as a teacher. Ms. Joshi truly gives them the foundation, drive and belief in themselves to want to continue math-related pursuits in life. We’re grateful for teachers like Ms. Joshi that work so hard for their kids. We know Madison City Schools is so proud of her, too.” (spaceclubhsv.org/ scholarships-awards) In addition, Madison Board of Education recognized Joshi as National Educator of the Year. MCS Superintendent Dr. Ed Nichols and board members commended Joshi for her dedicated math teaching and drive to bring out the best in her students.

Along with NSC’s financial award, Joshi earned a separate grant from National Defense Industrial Association’s Tennessee Valley Chapter. She plans to use the grant to cover math competition fees for her students.

Joshi completed a bachelor’s degree in secondary education, another bachelor’s in elementary education from Athens State University and a master’s degree in education – curriculum and instruction from University of Phoenix.

After teaching high school students for three years, she has worked 22 years for MCS: Heritage Elementary School, 14 years; Liberty Middle School, five years; Journey, three years.

“If someone were to ask me what brings me the most joy in my teaching career, the answer is simple: teaching the math team,” she said. “It’s more than just equations, competitions and trophies – though those are exciting.” It’s about:

• “Watching students light up when a problem finally clicks.”

• “Nurturing perseverance when the answer doesn’t come easily.”

• “Building confidence, one solution at a time.”

“Every student who joins the Math Team brings a unique spark. Together, we create a space where thinking deeply is celebrated, and curiosity is never out of place,” Joshi said. “I’ve had the privilege of guiding incredible young minds, watching them grow – not just as mathematicians, but as leaders, teammates and problem-solvers.”

For Joshi, the Math Team is a family. “We laugh together, struggle together and succeed together. And I wouldn’t trade that for anything.”

Mrinal and husband Sunit Joshi have been married for 29 years. Sunit is a Senior IT Manager at Hexagon (formerly Intergraph) for 28 years. Their daughter is completing residency as a doctor of obstetrics/gynecology. Their son is serving in the U.S. Army.

For more information, visit spaceclubhsv.org/ about.