Delta Innovative School is proud to announce LeAndra Vasquez Johnson as this year's Teacher of the Year, celebrating her outstanding dedication and impactful contributions to the educational community.
With an impressive academic background, Johnson graduated from Valdosta State University with a Bachelor's in Spanish, along with an ESOL endorsement. She furthered her education at Liberty University, earning a Master of Arts in Teaching in Special Education (General Curriculum). Johnson also holds a Reading Endorsement from Coastal Plains RESA and a Tier 1 Add-on in Educational Leadership from Thomas University.
As a six-year veteran in the teaching profession, Johnson has spent the past four years serving the Brooks County School District. Her journey and achievements in education reflect her unwavering commitment to her students' success.
Mrs. Vasquez Johnson openly acknowledges the challenges of addressing the diverse needs and backgrounds of her students. "Many of them come from difficult circumstances," she explains. "It requires a lot of creativity, patience, and individualized attention to engage and support them effectively. Balancing academic goals with social-emotional learning and behavioral management can be particularly demanding, but it’s crucial for their growth and success."
Her approach is a testament to her resilience and dedication. She tirelessly works to create an inclusive and supportive environment, ensuring that each student receives the attention they need to thrive.
Despite the challenges, Johnson finds immense joy and fulfillment in her role. "The most rewarding aspect of teaching is witnessing the growth and transformation of my students," she says. "Seeing a student who once struggled with self-confidence and academic performance develop a love for learning and a belief in his own potential is truly inspiring."
Johnson cherishes every small victory, whether it’s mastering a difficult concept or overcoming personal challenges. These moments reaffirm her passion for teaching and her commitment to making a difference.
Among her favorite teaching memories, Graduation Day stands out as a particularly touching experience. Johnson recalls the pride and emotion she felt watching a student who had faced significant personal challenges walk across the stage to receive their diploma. "Knowing how hard they had worked made it an incredibly emotional and fulfilling experience," she shares.
Johnson’s journey to becoming a teacher was profoundly influenced by her first-grade teacher, Mrs. Clinton, the first Black educator she encountered. "Seeing a representation of myself in her was profoundly empowering," Johnson recalls. Mrs. Clinton's strength, passion, and genuine care for her students left a lasting impact, inspiring Johnson to pursue a career in education. She strives to provide the same level of love, passion, and representation to her own students, recognizing the critical role of diverse role models in the classroom.
Outside of her professional life, Johnson enjoys a vibrant family life with her husband, Nicholas Johnson Sr., a Georgia State Trooper, and their three children: Nailah (8), Nicholas Jr. (7), and Sebastian (6). The family also includes Fendi, their beloved French Bulldog. In her free time, Johnson loves playing tennis, running with her husband, and shopping.
Delta Innovative School is proud to celebrate LeAndra Vasquez Johnson’s dedication, passion, and remarkable achievements. Her contributions to the school community exemplify the highest standards of excellence in education.
Ms. Johnson will represent Delta Innovative School for the 24-25 school year and will compete at the district level for the title of Brooks County School District’s Teacher of the Year. The BCSD Teacher of the Year will be named at the Teacher of the Year banquet hosted in the fall.