This story part of a series highlighting local school superintendents as part of GSI’s IN Schools campaign. Watch each week for the next edition!
The Orchard Prairie School District has a two-building campus on a hilltop north of Millwood. Surrounded by farms and prairies, the original building was built in 1894 and remains the oldest active schoolhouse in Washington state.
Superintendent Joe Beckford brings a distinctive set of experiences to his role, shaped by a diverse educational background and time spent in one of the most remote areas of the country. Along with degrees from the University of Oklahoma, Northern Arizona University, and 14 other credentials along the way, Beckford’s journey to leadership is anything but conventional.
One of the most impactful chapters in Beckford’s career occurred in the Aleutian Islands of Alaska. Weather, geography, and community dynamics could change instantly, and living there required both resilience and grace. This remote, rugged environment provided Beckford with moments that were “a strange combination of comedy and tragedy,” and taught him adaptability, resourcefulness, and the importance of connection even in the harshest conditions—qualities that still influence his leadership today.
Dr. Jay Thompson from Ball State University served as an important mentor for Beckford. Through their work with the European Teacher Education Network, Beckford gained new global views on education that significantly influenced his work. He also spent nineteen years working to refine a mastery learning model in a previous district, where he observed the strong effects of personalized, student-centered instruction.
“The best learning environments are those that mirror the complexity and diversity of the world we live in,” Beckford states. “Whether you’re teaching in Alaska, Europe, or Eastern Washington, the goal remains the same—help every student reach their potential.”
When he’s not in the superintendent’s office, Beckford focuses on staying connected with his far-flung family and staying true to the values that have guided him throughout a lifetime of educational service. His work has always aimed at improving systems, removing obstacles, and ensuring students experience not just education but transformation.
Beckford’s story reminds us that education begins and extends beyond the classroom. It’s about building systems that reflect real life—its challenges, victories, and constant change.
Learn more about how you can support GSI’s IN School’s campaign to foster stronger connections between our schools and the communities they serve.