Johnson is the first person to receive the sorority's inaugural Educator Award grant. Photo Credit: WBRZ
The Eta Xi Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority awarded a $1,000 grant to Jeniqua Johnson, a first-grade teacher at Southview Elementary School. Johnson is the first person to receive the sorority’s inaugural First Year Educator Award.
The sorority members said that they nominated Johnson because they were aware of the difficulties faced by those in the teaching field, especially first-year teachers.
They told WBRC, “We’re doing this to support local educators in West Alabama. About 50% of teachers who have been teaching for three years leave the field, so it’s a critical time area at this time. We’re trying to motivate and encourage to stay in the education field,” said Shante’ Morton, the Tuscaloosa Chapter President of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority.
Johnson expressed that she was surprised to receive the award and that she planned to use the funds to raise student achievement.
“I was very surprised. I [was] really nervous because I was thinking it can’t be,” Johnson remarked.
Johnson revealed that she will be using the funds to purchase headphones for her 17 students. Johnson also said that the grant would help her students have more resources to enhance differentiated learning, according to the Tuscaloosa Thread. She believes it would have a significant impact on her English language learners and autistic students.
Southview Elementary Principal Ronika Amerson said that Johnson is “special because of her unique ability to connect with her students and parents. She is soft-spoken but firm with her students. I often refer to her as a ‘quiet storm.’ She is data-driven and goes far and beyond to ensure students’ success.”
Dr. Shanté Morton, President of the Eta Xi Omega Chapter, said, “The first year of teaching is a period of immense growth. First-year teachers learn not only about their students but also about themselves as educators.”
Eta Xi Omega graduate chapter members presented the grant to Johnson during a lunch period at Southview Elementary with students, staff, and other educators.
She received a $1,000 grant, a certificate recognizing her contribution, balloons, and a lovely floral arrangement from Sue’s Flowers in Northport, Alabama.
Whether preparing for action-packed scenes or delving into historical accuracy, talent alone doesn’t always deliver…
Auguste, a 64-year-old teacher from Dakar, Senegal, has returned to the classroom after undergoing life-changing…
Over the last few years, startups have faced challenges when trying to exit, due to…
Tanya Young Williams, a Black shop owner, recounted that a man wearing a Donald Trump…
Wedding bells are set to ring as billionaire heir Geoffrey Ogunlesi has proposed to his…
Language evolves with every generation, and Gen Z—those born roughly between 1997 and 2012—has taken…
Chicago Sky player Angel Reese has accused fans of fellow WNBA player Caitlin Clark of…
The cannabis industry has over the years seen little participation of women and the involvement…
Nine Chicago-area mayors have petitioned President Joe Biden to pardon former Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr.…
Even before he retires from the NFL, Cleveland Browns' Myles Garrett has turned his attention…
Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears is poised to make history as the first Black woman to…
Curtis "50 Cent" Jackson, who is reportedly nearing billionaire status, has revealed his contentment with…
Gregory Tucker served as his own lawyer and won an appeal of a case that…
Amber Williams, the distraught girlfriend of late rapper Rich Homie Quan, made a frantic 911…
Bennecia Smith and her family were looking forward to settling down in their recently purchased…