Our Founder

Dr. Josette Farmer

Dr. Josette Farmer's journey to founding Extraordinary Scholars began two decades ago, driven by her profound passion for education deeply rooted in her personal experiences. Her career in education has been marked by a series of diverse roles, each aimed at fostering student engagement and advocating for inclusivity and equity.  Throughout her career, Dr. Farmer has been a tireless advocate for various educational initiatives. She has championed dual language programs, recognizing the importance of linguistic diversity and the benefits of bilingualism for students. Her advocacy extends to conducting research to promote access, equity, and opportunity for all students, including those in pre-k, students with disabilities, and multilingual learners.  Beyond advocacy, Dr. Farmer has been actively involved in educational research, seeking to understand and address the challenges faced by students from diverse backgrounds. Her research endeavors have contributed valuable insights to the field, informing stakeholders on policies and practices that support student success.

Dr. Farmer's commitment to education goes beyond the classroom. Her vision for Extraordinary Scholars reflects her dedication to making a lasting impact on families' lives by providing quality education and empowering students to reach their full potential. Through her leadership and unwavering dedication, Dr. Farmer continues to inspire positive change in the field of education, leaving a legacy of excellence and inclusivity for generations to come.  Dr. Farmer's journey is indeed remarkable, marked by her unwavering commitment to education and community service. Starting from the culturally rich U.S. Virgin Islands, she embarked on a path driven by a deep thirst for knowledge. Her academic pursuits began at Roxbury Community College in Massachusetts, where she earned an Associate's degree in Biological Science. Simultaneously, she demonstrated her entrepreneurial spirit by becoming an Independent Sales Director for Mary Kay Cosmetics, achieving notable success within a short span by becoming an Independent Sales Director in eight months.  

However, Dr. Farmer's ambitions transcended the cosmetics industry. She transitioned into roles at esteemed medical centers such as Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Bowdoin Street Health Center. Here, she served in various capacities, including as a Home Visitor and later as a Senior Home Visitor/Case Manager at Bay Cove Human Services for the Healthy Families Program. Her dedication to serving the community was evident as she played a vital role in providing essential services to parents and children in need.  As a Lead Facilitator/Consultant for Nurturing Programs, Dr. Farmer continued to make significant contributions, actively participating in curriculum development and providing invaluable services to individuals requiring support. Her commitment did not go unnoticed, as evidenced by the heartfelt letter she received from a Boston Public School Social Worker, which further fueled her passion for teaching

Driven by her desire to empower students through education. Dr. Farmer pursued further academic endeavors, earning a psychology degree from Cambridge College of Massachusetts. This educational milestone not only expanded her knowledge but also equipped her with the skills necessary to make a profound impact as an educator.  Dr. Farmer's journey exemplifies resilience, determination, and a genuine desire to uplift others.  Her multifaceted experiences in education, community service, and entrepreneurship serve as an inspiration, highlighting the transformative power of dedication and passion in effecting positive change.  Dr. Farmer's career in education has been marked by dedication and continuous learning. Beginning as a surround care paraprofessional in Boston Public Schools in 2005, she demonstrated an early commitment to supporting students beyond the classroom. 

Her move to Georgia and completion of a master's degree in P-12 Educational Leadership from Strayer University further solidified her passion for educational advancement.  Transitioning to become a dual immersion teacher in Atlanta in 2014, Dr. Farmer embraced the opportunity to immerse students in a bilingual environment, fostering not only language skills but also cultural awareness. Her role as one of the founding teachers and former Chairperson for the Dual Immersion program at Barack H. Obama Elementary Magnet School of Technology showcases her leadership and innovation in curriculum development and equitable access to education.

Continuing her academic pursuits, Dr. Farmer earned a doctorate in Education from Walden University, specializing in early childhood, and elementary education. Her doctoral research focused on understanding the perspectives of parents, teachers, and service providers during the transition of students with disabilities from Pre-K to Kindergarten. This demonstrates her commitment to inclusive education and ensuring that all students receive the support they need to thrive.  Throughout her career, Dr. Farmer has shown a dedication to enhancing educational opportunities for students and advocating for inclusive practices in schools. Her contributions to the field of education are significant, and her work continues to impact both students and educators alike.

Dr. Farmer's return to New England marks a significant chapter in her ongoing dedication to advancing access and equity within education, particularly in the realms of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) and research and development. Her influence within these fields has grown steadily, marked by her commitment to curriculum development, empowerment initiatives, and fostering innovation.  Throughout her journey, Dr. Farmer has engaged in numerous research projects with national organizations, contributing to the evolving landscape of STEM education and R&D. Her impact extends beyond academia, as she has inspired a new wave of STEM enthusiasts to pursue their passions within the educational sphere. As Dr. Farmer's journey unfolds, her impact on the education landscape continues to deepen, leaving a lasting legacy of empowerment, innovation, and academic excellence.