Joan Harris Akin, Adjunct Instructor in Education, conducts classroom observations and feedback sessions for preservice teachers.  She holds a Masters degree in Reading Education, a Specialist degree in Middle Grades, and L6 certification in Educational Administration.  Mrs. Akin's career in education spanned 32 years in Gwinnett County middle schools, including sixteen years as principal at Dacula Middle, Lawrenceville Middle, and Creekland Middle.  At the time of her retirement, she was principal at Creekland Middle, the largest middle school in the nation with an enrollment of over 3200 students.  During her tenure as principal, she led schools to several prestegious awards including Georgia School of Excellence, Georgia Drug Free School Award, National Drug Free School Award, and International Inviting School.  She served as President of the Georgia Association of Middle School Principals, and was named Georgia Middle School Principal of the Year.  She also received the Milken National Educator Award.  Following retirement, she worked part time as a leadership facilitator with the Georgia Department of Education. She and her husband have recently moved from Gwinnett County to a farm in Carnesville.