Joe "Mr. D" Dombrowski

An educator giving a spelling test with imaginary words may not seem like the most traditional method of promoting learning, but then again, there isn't much that can be considered conventional in Joe "Mr. D" Dombrowski's classroom. Known for his innovative and engaging teaching methods, Dombrowski has gained significant attention beyond the educational sphere, particularly after a playful April Fools’ Day spelling test prank in 2017, which became a viral sensation.

While Dombrowski had been routinely posting creative, innovative, and most importantly, fun ideas to his social media channels he executed in his fourth-grade classroom since he began his teaching career, it was one in particular that captured the hearts of 20 million people: the April Fool's Prank seen around the world. The video he shared connected to his students through a lighthearted fake quiz with hilariously inventive words (complete with silent letters), showcasing his sheer creativity, humor, and clear passion for education. This prank not only made its way to "Good Morning America" and earned its own "Twitter Moment," but also led to multiple appearances on "The Ellen DeGeneres Show."

Since graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Central Michigan University, where he was a Featured Student Teacher Spotlight Spring 2012, Dombrowski took up a residency as an improv comedy artist at Go Comedy Improv Theater. His comedic timing and improv studies have effectively translated into the classroom. His approach of integrating humor into teaching helps make the curriculum material relatable and engaging, a technique furthered during his continued education at Oakland University where he graduated with a Masters in Educational Leadership, High Honors.

Dombrowski not only excels in the classroom but also stands out in the comedy and public speaking circuits. He has been performing stand-up comedy since he was eight years old and has headlined major comedy festivals such as Just For Laughs in Montreal, the New York Comedy Festival, and the Netflix Is a Joke Fest. Dombrowski tours with his stand-up comedy show "Indoor Recess" and hosts his own podcast called "Social Studies," where he recaps outlandish stories from fans across the country. Additionally, he hosts a monthly show at the Comedy Store in Los Angeles and speaks at educational events, offering keynotes on creativity in education, teacher motivation, and the integration of technology in classrooms. His engaging teaching style has been applauded at events like the Teacher to Teacher Tech Rally, and he continues to inspire audiences with his dynamic presence and insightful commentary on education and life.