Most students in IB Sports, Exercise, and Health Science (SEHS) walk into class every other day and enjoy the wonders of the human body. Ligaments, skeletal systems, muscle fibers, blah, blah, blah… not exactly the most thrilling stuff, until you realize that they’re being taught by one of the strongest women in the state. Tracey Joyner, one of two IB SEHS teachers at North Atlanta, is a competitive weightlifter who can outlift any teacher you’ve ever had. She combines her extensive knowledge of the IB curriculum with her real-world experience to give students an authentic sports science experience.
Born in Sacramento, California, Joyner began her teaching journey far from home. As a student at Norfolk State University in Virginia, she was deciding between becoming a teacher or attending medical school. However, after attending some in-class observations, she realized that teaching was her calling. Joyner got a job at Northgate High School in Coweta County and taught there for a few years before moving to Fulton County alongside her sister, a fellow educator. She worked at Bannaker High School before moving into the gifted office at APS, where she helped gifted students get internships. One day, Joyner’s colleague and one of North Atlanta’s assistant principals, Yvette Hunter-Yisrael, called her and asked if she wanted to teach a new class called IB Sports, Exercise, and Health Science. “I was the first one here to teach it, and since I started here, it’s really grown,” said Joyner.
About 2 years after this, Joyner’s powerlifting journey began unexpectedly. She had lifted weights throughout her life to stay in shape, but she was inspired to start powerlifting while scrolling through her trainer’s Instagram. Joyner noticed people lifting huge weights and decided to give it a shot. Now, she trains five to six days a week on an intense regimen that includes hours of cardio and heavy lifting. However, as a teacher and a mother, Joyner finds almost no free time to work out, so she gets up before dawn to train. “I get up at 4:30, and I’m in the gym at five. I tend to leave around 5:45 because I gotta get dressed, get my daughter to school, and get here,” said Joyner.
Although her training is essential, what sets Joyner apart is her career in sports science. Her experience allows her to understand how her muscles and bones are physically impacted by her training. Moreover, it also helps her with the mental side of powerlifting. “It’s a mind game,” Joyner said. “You’ve got to walk up to the weight and be like, ‘I’m going to pick you up.’”
Despite her busy schedule, Joyner still manages to excel in the classroom and in the weight room. She isn’t just teaching sports science–she’s living it. Currently, Joyner is training for her next meet on November 1st, in Smyrna, and she would love it if her students came out to support.
