The Richmonder 25: Retirement won't stop Dr. Joann Henry's passion for education

August 30, 2026 - 17:26

After decades in the classroom, Dr. Joann Henry is officially retiring. But don't expect her to slow down. Henry, a beloved educator in Richmond, has spent her career shaping young minds, and she insists that work is far from over.

"I get a lot of letters from students saying thank you, and I made a difference in their life," Henry said. "That is the real reward."

Henry's career spans multiple generations of learners. She has taught in various capacities, from elementary classrooms to higher education, always with a focus on making learning accessible and engaging. Colleagues describe her as a tireless advocate for students who struggled to find their footing, often staying late to help with reading or math, and always pushing for more resources for underfunded schools.

Her retirement ceremony was filled with former students, some now parents themselves, who came to thank her. One former student, now a local attorney, credited Henry with convincing him he was smart enough for college. Another, a nurse, said Henry's encouragement gave her the confidence to pursue science.

Henry says her next chapter will involve volunteer tutoring and mentoring new teachers. She also plans to write a book about her experiences, hoping to share the practical strategies she used to reach disengaged kids.

"Retirement just means I get to choose my hours," she said with a laugh. "I have no intention of leaving education behind. It is who I am."