Johnny currently serves as a middle school math teacher, aside from other roles. He has published two Young Adult novels, contributed to an educational research article, and engages in multiple literacy-related activities. Some projects he engages includes a monthly newsletter, book presentations in person and via Zoom, and maintaining an active social media presence.
His educational experience comes from over a dozen years as a full-time educator and former high school basketball coach. While working in a high-needs school, he connected students’ experiences with his own childhood, and decided to write stories that featured minority children as lead characters. What began as writing stories has quickly expanded to other divisions of literature.
Johnny credits his faith for playing a role in his growth as a person. “I’m not perfect, but I try my best to be a good example of Jesus,” he says. His childhood included stops at various military bases. This helped him become well-rounded, flexible, and disciplined; important character traits in education.
In high school, a friend recommended he consider teaching. He vehemently vowed to avoid the profession of education. “No way, they don’t get paid enough.” As life would have it, God had other plans for him! Through teaching and coaching, Johnny was able to explore different settings, including a brief stop where he met his future wife.
He enjoys do-it-yourself projects, working on his car, and spending time with family and friends. Johnny also loves to travel, visiting various NBA arenas and historical sites around the country. He is a self-admitted basketball junkie, who loves to multi-task reading a book while listening to sports.
He has presented in over a dozen schools. For his contribution to literature, he received the inaugural 2021 Gerald Ensley Developing Author award, in recognition of the great Tallahassee newspaper writer. If you are interested in hosting Johnny as a guest speaker, complete the box below!
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