This month, we lost a treasured colleague and friend with the untimely passing of Janelle Fann from natural causes. Janelle was on the Student Achievement Partners team for over five years; she spent most of that time supporting the Core Advocate Network. She was the face and voice of Student Achievement Partners for so many educators across the country, and we know that many of you had close connections and fond memories of times spent with her. While we grieve the loss of our friend, we have also been remembering countless moments of joy, humor, and inspiration we are blessed to have experienced in our time with Janelle. We hope that by sharing these memories we can help each other to heal and carry her memory with us as we move forward.
Janelle was a constant light. She was fully committed to her work, always doing what was necessary to get things done while also seamlessly supporting others. She was someone who always had your back, although writing those words does not quite capture the impact that her willingness to help and generosity had on so many of us. Her approach to support was always with a smile, and most often, without even having to ask. She knew when to step in, for anyone, for everyone.
Even more than in what Janelle did, her absence will be felt most in how she did everything. She was a fierce intellect with a brilliant, and silly, sense of humor. Her unexpected one-liners, puns, and observations about daily life brightened our every day. Janelle, through her insight and humor, expanded and illuminated how each of us sees the world.
While Janelle was so full of life and personality, she was also very humble. She would probably be surprised and amazed to know how many people she touched and how many of us are grieving her loss and thinking fondly of our favorite memories of her. We look forward to reminiscing about the experiences you shared with Janelle and celebrating her life with you. We welcome you to leave a comment below with your favorite story or anecdote celebrating her life and impact.
Many of you have asked what you might do to honor Janelle’s life. Janelle was a proud Peace Corps alumna. Please consider donating to their work. Among Janelle’s many other passions was a love of goats of all types and sizes; you might also consider donating to a rescue organization such as New Moon Farm.
Finally, Janelle loved to read. She was a passionate advocate of the public library and went every weekend – she sometimes had to make herself slow down so that she wouldn’t run out of new books to read before her next trip. Janelle was always sharing her latest book reviews (positive and negative) and loaning books to us all. Please consider a contribution (either financial or the gift of your time) to your local library to help ensure that Janelle’s bright light continues to shine.
I am certain we each have specific stories that we can share, and we encourage you to do so in the Comments section below. I’ll start by offering a few myself. She loved giving us each nicknames. Mine was Sandiva. 😊 Not only did she have fun ways of playing on our names, but she also loved combining our names to make nicknames for groups of people. I imagine many of you have these in your communications from Janelle. So many great conversations. We could start off talking about politics, and then before we knew it we were talking about who wore what to the Met
Gala. We travelled together, we laughed together, we learned together. And there are so many other things I associate with Janelle. Here are just a few more, and we hope you’ll share some of your own below:
Books
Goats
Sweet tea
Not handbags, but quality handbags
Walnuts, and peanuts aren’t nuts
Beyonce
BuzzFeed
Home Decor, eclectic style
Jewelry and accessories that had meaning
A good shopping mall, especially outlets
This is heartbreaking news. Janelle is a woman whom many admire greatly. Her commitment to serving students has inspired countless educators. May God bless her family and friends.
I had many email exchanges with Janelle and relatively few in-person encounters, but what I do remember about those was her smile and that brilliant and silly sense of humor. Sending love and prayers to Janelle’s family including the SAP family.
Janelle was the best at troubleshooting! She always took extreme care to support anyone that needed help- and with a smile. She was tireless. She was the face that I would look for at each of the Core Advocate trainings.
An amazing person who made each of us feel so very important!
We are sadden by the loss of such a beautiful light. Janelle was always quick to respond, greet you or answer any question. You could feel her joy and compassion in even her simple emails. We will miss her! We send love to her family and friends.
ANet Colorado/New Mexico Team
Janelle was a beam of light and her presence will be truly missed. My words escape me now thinking of the loss to our education world. She was a catalyst for so many and my prayers are with her family and the SAP family.
It is easy to feel a profound darkness with the passing of someone who so adeptly shined a light on every space and heart she touched. I remember planning and setting up for our Arizona convening and knowing that everything would be completely okay because I had Janelle as my go-to partner. It never once crossed my mind that something would not go as planned. Instead, I focused on making new connections with fabulous teacher leaders and then connecting them with SAP, and of course, Janelle made sure they each felt like they were her favorite new friend. Our only solace during this time will be the knowledge that those dozens of teacher leaders will continue to move forward this work that Janelle was so passionate about.
I am so sorry for the loss of Janelle and the heartache her family, friends, and colleagues must feel. I am speechless and hold you all in my thoughts and prayers and hope for you all peach and comfort during this tremendous loss. <3 <3 <3
Sorry to hear of her passing. I did not know her personally, but she sounds like an amazing person; my thoughts are with her family and friends.
Janelle was the person that I spoke to or communicated with for SAP. She was patience, kind and understanding to whatever questions or concerns I had. It was a pleasure to meet her face-to-face the first time. She loved what she did. She was someone who you didn’t forget because of her smile and her kind demeanor. May God bless her and her family through this sad time. I will prayer for them.
Janelle was truly a special person to interact with. She held such a passion for life and knew how to make even the most tedious jobs enjoyable. What I think I’ll remember most about Janelle is her ability to remember absolutely everything: from where that missing box of conference materials might have been set down, to who was the lead actor in Spaceballs. And I think that sums up the kind of person she was. Everything was orderly and organized, but you never felt like it was a cold process because she was such a warm and friendly person to be around. She truly made every single SAP event special and personal in the way she handled all of our affairs and took care of the behind-the-scenes necessities that seldom get recognized. I will miss her dearly.
It was an absolute pleasure to know Janelle. She was always smiling, helpful, and just genuinely kind. She knew every answer to every question or how to find it. I loved her spirit. She had a great impact on us as educators and those we serve. She will be greatly missed.
Over the years I only knew Janelle through email, but always sensed a smile. May the kindness and support she gave so generously to us encourage us all to pay it forward. May she Rest In Peace and may God bless her family and friends.
Janelle was the first person I spoke to on the phone or by e-mail any time I had a question, comment, or concern. She was kind, fun, and honest. I always appreciated her, and enjoyed our conversations. Much love to her family and friends.
Janelle was just wonderful… and so real. I have a pair of earrings that will always make me think of her, because she commented on them in Denver. They were special to me and she really wanted the story. My heart hurts for all of us who knew her… whatever happens in the next world, I am sure she is organizing it and making folks feel welcome.
When I was attending the Denver Core Advocate convening in May, 2016 as a Washington Core Advocate, I had just decided to take a job with Student Achievement Partners and join the Field Impact Team. It was a hard decision to leave the school district I had worked in for 10 years, where I had so many close connections with staff, students, and parents. As I walked down the stairs of the Denver Renaissance to register for the convening I walked up to Janelle. She had the biggest, warmest smile on her face and didn’t say anything, but made a heart symbol with her hands. With that quiet, welcoming, sincere gesture, I knew I had made the right decision to joint the FIT team! Its been such a privilege to work closely with Janelle over the past several years. I’ve learned from her, I’ve had fun with her, I’ve gone shopping with her, and I’ve laughed with her. I’m a better person because of the time I’ve spent with her. You’ll be missed Janelle!
Janelle was a dedicate and hardworker in core advocate for student achievement. She was beacon of light for the nation. We will miss her, but her legacy still lives inside of us. Thanks for being a advocate organizational skills.
Thanks,
Ms. Rose Mary Winters West Tennessee/ Memphis,Tn
Janelle was a breath of fresh air! Every time we saw the each other we always talked about our hair and who’s fro grew the most since our last meeting. Such a sweet, kind soul. She definitely will be missed.
Janelle…I am so sad to hear this news. Janelle was always the smile I looked for at any and all convenings. She was ever so helpful and kind and her organizational skills were a force to be reckoned with. She handled everything and everyone so calmly and warmly that I always walked away from her feeling better than when I met up with her. Her generosity, thoughtfulness, and humor will be greatly missed. She will forever be a part of my Core Advocates memories!
Heartbroken to hear that such a young shining star in the SAP community has been lost much too soon. My heart aches for Janelle’s family, colleagues and all of her friends who loved her dearly. She had such a sweet soul, genuine friendliness and a smile that made you smile right back. Like many, I felt an instant connection with her when we first, like we already knew each other. She really had a way of making every person she encountered feel special and was the first beautiful face many of us encountered at an SAP event and the annual conference. My last encounter with her is one I’ll now forever cherish. I’d arrived from an early flight to the conference hotel in Denver on a beautiful sunny day. Deciding some fresh air and a nice walk would do me good, I ventured out to walk to an outdoor mall nearby to grab some lunch. Well, I made it halfway there and got hit with altitude sickness with a vengeance, although I didn’t realize that’s what it was. Feeling pretty desperate when I managed to make it back to the hotel, Janelle was the first person to see me as I practically stumbled into the lobby. She immediately came to my aid, calling me by name, escorting me up to my room and making sure I had plenty of bottled water. Later she called my room to check on me, offered to bring me dinner and told me to call her if I needed anything. I was embarrassed that I was in such a state but overcame this quickly and thanked Janelle profusely every time I saw her during the conference. What a gem of a young lady to be lucky enough to have known. On behalf of Cincinnati Federation of Teachers Local 1520 and American Federation of Teachers, sending heartfelt sympathy to all.
Janelle I am sadden to be writing this comment today. You sat across from me while I did time in the SAP office near 14 street Union Square. I remember walking in on my first day being nervous. I looked at you and you told me that I will fit right in and be just fine. From that moment I knew we would be friends. We talked about everything from standards to the Beyonce concert. I say all this to say thank you for being an ear to talk to about anything. Thank you for being YOU. Rest up and your soul will be missed.
Janelle was a truly special soul, who made the world a brighter and more thoughtful place. I was truly saddened to hear of Janelle’s passing. She will definitely live on in many of my memories – the many emails (over 516) that I will never delete, the text messages with lots of goat pictures, the many meals in different cities. But most of all, Janelle will live on in the way that I communicate with people. Janelle had a mastery of kind, polite, pithy email and text communication. Her phrase “Might we…” will live on with me as a way to politely consider a different suggestion.
I wish we had had Janelle on this Earth for longer, but I’m grateful for this chance to remember her and make a donation in her memory.
Janelle was a light that that brought humor and curiosity to all the work she led. She was a thoughtful colleague who went out of her way to support those around her and was committed to making the work work. She was so funny, and I will always remember my “poof” hairstyle that she coined. I will remember her and she will be missed.
What a loss for Student Achievement Partners, educators, all of us. Janelle was one of the most organized people I know. She was constantly smiling, always had a kind word, and was perpetually positive. I admired her for her energy. I remember she stayed up until 2am to make sure we all got in safely for a conference in Denver. Then she was back at it by five the next morning. She was an amazing go-getter! She will be missed.
“Nothing can dim the light that shines from within.” – Maya Angelou
Janelle’s smile made even the most frustrating moments seem manageable. Her ability to think through every possible scenario, and have a solution ready – helped make many SAP events run smoothly. I Janelle’s focus on equity and the need to be sure diverse voices were present at the table made a lasting impression on my own work. I will always see Janelle in the lives of the students ad teachers across the US who have been impacted by the Core Advocate work.
Janelle’s kindness and competence invited me into saying yes to whatever I was asked to do as one of the early Core Advocates. When seeing her at gatherings, it was like seeing an old friend because of how wonderful she always was over email and phone. Surely all who knew her well feel her loss greatly. Sending you all comfort.
I am so very sorry to hear about her passing. Janelle was truly dedicated to creating spaces where educators could learn together and be inspired by one another. I am appreciative of her hard work and I am sending thoughts of peace to her family and loved ones. Thank you for sharing such a beautiful tribute.
I met Janelle at a SAP conference. I was a first timer and she was very welcoming. I am shocked and saddened that such a wonderful person is now gone from this earth. My condolences to her family and to the SAP team.
My thoughts and prayers go out to Janelle’s family. God bless….
Janelle always amazed me with her warm, welcoming smile and calm, can-do/will-do attitude. When I’d see her (usually at conveying), there could be 502 different things going on at once, and she never failed to stop, smile, say hello. Her drive to improve learning and life for others was so obvious in everything she did. She has truly been a bright light to us all.
Janelle managed to ‘smile’ through her email messages. Even though I never met her in person, I communicated with her via email and will remember her for her kind way of dealing with others.
Although I had few “in person” encounters with Janelle, I could tell she had a special spirit and light about her. I appreciated her quick responses to emails and the personal touch she added to them. My heart and prayers go out to her family and to all those that loved her.
Janelle managed to “smile” even in her emails. I never met her in person but always felt confident that I was never a bother when I had a quesion. Her kind consideration was appreciated and will be remembered. My condolences to her family and friends.
I am truly sadden by this new. I hope that her family will be uplifted by how much she was cared about. She was a scholar in THIS WORK.
My condolences to the family and friends of this hardworking young lady!
Prayers are going up for your strength!
Janelle always supported the work of Kentucky teachers. I am stunned by the news. Heaven has an incredibly passioned individual who was a champion for educators. Her vision and work will be definitely missed and treasured for what she has done. Prayers and condolences for her Student Achievement Partners family, as well, as her immediate family. Godspeed.
Janelle was patient and kind. She will be missed. Rest in peace.
Janelle showed all of us the importance
of valuing every interaction we have getting to know one another, spending time together and advocating for others.
She was humble.
She was genuine.
She was caring.
She was so generous to us all.
My thoughts, prayers and blessings to her friends and family experiencing this loss.
We love you, Janelle, for loving all of us.
Janelle will always be remembered with her most beautiful smile. That smile came through her emails as well as in person. I will always be grateful having had the chance to have known her. Her amazing talents and dedication to our work will forever live on. My thoughts and prayers are with all those that love her.
God Bless,
I’m so sorry about Janelle’s passing. My heart and thoughts go out to her family and friends.
Although I didn’t know Janelle, she sounded like an exceptional individual and professional. If my roads would’ve crossed with hers, I’m certain we would’ve been friends.
I’m glad that her legacy will always live on. She definitely left her footprint on the world, especially in the field of Education.
My heart has been so heavy since I learned of Janelle’s passing. She was always so kind to me and her smile was contagious. I am so grateful that I had the chance to know her. She will be greatly missed.
I still can’t wrap my head around a world without Janelle, and it is so comforting to read everyone’s memories and know that she lives on in all of us. This beautiful young woman was an admired colleague and a dear friend to me, and the time and distance after I left her team at SAP had no impact on our friendship. My last exchange with her was just a week before her passing and I will forever treasure the text messages and emails we shared (a GIF of a waving Russell from the movie “UP” is the last Janelle entry in my cell phone – so fitting). We worked together through some really tough times and a lot of really amazing times with Core Advocates. None of us would have been able to do nearly 40 Core Advocate webinars without her. We traveled together dozens of times, shared hundreds of meals together, and hit a shopping mall on almost every trip. My husband adored her as much as I did, and she coined our nicknames “JFun” and “SnackMan!” Her playful spirit and silliness (oh how I’ll miss the goat noises) were beautifully balanced by her intelligence, thoughtfulness, and calm in the midst of chaos. I’ll miss her every single day. Love you, Janelle.
Sending love and light to Janelle’s and the SAP family. From our few Interactions, Janelle was a delightful and kind person, and also making sure everything was handled. Much love, you will be missed.
-Fitz
I have had a difficult time writing this, both because of my grief at the loss of Janelle, and also because there are too many memories that make me smile. Reading these contributions, it’s clear we all had similarly joyful moments. Janelle and I talked about: how to avoid getting stuck under someone’s armpit on the NYC subway (difficult), Ruth Bader Ginsburg (fierce), whether food should touch on a plate (unequivocally, no), tailored knits (essential), separation of families at the border (cruel and indefensible), why Michael B. Jordan isn’t in every movie made by Hollywood (also indefensible), Sady Doyle’s Trainwreck (a must read, seriously, go read this book). Most often Janelle covered all of the above in one conversation. She had a sharp wit, uncanny observations of daily life, and a love for wordplay and puns of every type. Our conversation – rich, challenging, funny – was cut far too short. I’ll miss you every single day, dear friend.
In our shared work, Janelle was always efficient and kind. The team at Great Minds has donated to the Washington, DC public library in honor of Janelle’s passion for learning. May her legacy of knowledge, humor, and joy burn bright.
I’m terribly sorry to learn of Janelle’s passing. Though I didn’t know her well, my interactions with her over email and at the Core Advocate training this summer were always enjoyable. Her kindness and positive spirit were gifts to all who knew her.