Dr. Joslyn M. Vilabrera, a proud native of Trinidad and Tobago, currently serves as a fifth-grade teacher at Forsyth Woods Elementary School in Orange County Public Schools (OCPS), where she has dedicated the past 19 years to nurturing young minds and inspiring a love of learning. A devoted mother of three and grandmother of four, Dr. Vilabrera brings both personal and professional passion to everything she does.
She holds a Bachelor’s degree in K–6 Elementary Education from Auburn University and a Master’s degree in K–8 Mathematics and Science from the University of Central Florida (UCF). Most recently, she earned her Doctorate in Education (Ed.D.) in Curriculum and Instruction through UCF’s prestigious Noyce Program. Her dissertation, Exploring Mathematics Teachers’ Understanding and Implementation of Effective Questioning as a Pedagogical Tool, underscores her commitment to elevating mathematics instruction through thoughtful and impactful teacher practices.
A passionate advocate for advancing mathematics education, Dr. Vilabrera has shared her research and insights at several major conferences, including the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM), the Florida Council of Teachers of Mathematics (FCTM), and the national Noyce Summit in Washington, D.C. Her work supports OCPS’s mission to develop mathematical thinkers and doers, and she remains deeply committed to helping both students and fellow educators experience the wonder, joy, and beauty of mathematics in everyday life.
Over the course of her career, Dr. Vilabrera has been recognized for her excellence and leadership in education. In 2011, she was named Teacher of the Year at Winegard Elementary School, where she taught first grade. At Rosemont Elementary School, she served as a mathematics liaison between fifth-grade teachers and the OCPS district mathematics department and initiated a teacher learning community known as the “Breakfast Club.”
Looking ahead, Dr. Vilabrera aspires to serve as a school principal, where she can focus on empowering educators through continuous professional growth and innovative instructional leadership. Her vision includes expanding her professional network to foster a community of reflective practitioners, lifelong learners, and transformative leaders in education.