On January 11, 2023, Doty Middle School bestowed upon Joseph Konoske the eminent status of “Distinguished Faculty” for honored excellence, esteemed rapport, and dedicated service. Mr. Konoske earned his Bachelor’s degree in English and his Teaching Credential from California State University Long Beach. He joined the faculty of East Middle School in 2000.
Over the past 22 school years, Mr. Konoske has taught Combined Studies, AVID 7, AVID 8, English 7, American Lit., and Reading Lab. He has served on our Instructional Leadership Team, School Site Council, is an AVID Coordinator, a PLC Lead, and a site rep for the Downey Educators Association. Coach K has also coached all of our basketball teams at one time or another: sixth grade boys, seventh grade boys, boys varsity, sixth grade girls, seventh grade girls, and girls varsity.
Mr. Konoske is an outstanding teacher and a wonderful person. He truly cares about kids, and he truly cares about his colleagues. His larger-than-life personality transfers into the classroom and the staff lounge. He is the go to teacher for help on so many things, like Illuminate, Accelerated Reader, iReady, Canvas, Classcraft and more, and gladly shares creative ideas and great strategies no matter how busy he may be. He is a tremendous support and resource to our students and our Doty team.
Outside of work, Mr. Konoske serves as an armchair coach and pep commissioner for Duke University’s Blue Devils basketball team. He is a devoted husband and father, and he loves his golden doodle named Honey, and his rescue mut named Cameron.
Mr. Konoske is enthusiastic about all he does, and that includes the passion he has for making sure his students learn well. Perhaps that is why his colleagues have nominated and recognized him as Teacher of the Month five times over the past twenty years. It is fitting and well deserved that Joe Konoske is recognized as a member of Doty Middle School’s most Distinguished Faculty. He is a stellar example of what being an outstanding educator is all about.