In nominating Johnson for the award, his colleagues praised his positive outlook, determination and expertise in “giving students wings to fly.”

“Mr. Johnson always demonstrates deep concern and care for students’ academic achievement and their futures,” one colleague wrote. “No matter how difficult the students’ behaviors, he encourages them in a most dignified manner, expressing his faith in their character and ability to do great things. He looks students in the eyes with the utmost concern and tells them how wonderfully talented they are. I have seen students go from angry and not thinking, to pausing and considering the goodness that can happen with better choices.

“Mr. Johnson truly comes to work every day to ensure that students have bright futures.”

A parent whose daughter’s life was changed in the third grade because of Johnson’s efforts was on hand for his award presentation. She was brought to tears as she described the positive impact he had on her daughter, who is now a sophomore in high school.

“She thought something was wrong with her, and he taught her how to overcome,” Sarah Carter said. “He taught her those basic skills that she needed to learn her way.

“You meant so much to her,” she told Johnson. “She thinks about you and talks about you to this day. You are wonderful and you’re an angel who walks among us. Thank you.”

Mary Harris Intermediate Principal LaKisha Thomas called Johnson an amazing educator with whom she is proud to work.

She described how Johnson warmly greets students and families arriving for Meet the Teacher Night fully dressed in college regalia.

“For most of the students, he was their first impression of Mary Harris Intermediate School,” Thomas said. “Mr. Johnson often wears his cap and gown during dismissal because he wants students to envision themselves as college graduates.”

Thomas also noted how Johnson takes initiative to collaborate with fellow educators to help meet students’ needs.

“He is committed in ensuring students are successful and is willing to go the extra mile to make sure this happens,” she said. “Mr. Johnson has stayed at work as late as 9:30 p.m. planning for the next day. His ‘We can do it’ attitude is contagious, and he is both respected and admired by his colleagues.”

Maria Anguiano, a dyslexia coordinator in CISD who works with Johnson, praised his calmness and kindness as well. Ms. Anguiano noted how as a dyslexia specialist, sometimes the job location can change.

“Mr. Johnson has had to do that — and never a complaint. He definitely has a great spirit and attitude,” she said.

Johnson said his favorite part of the job is “changing lives one student at a time by helping them understand their deficit does not define them. They just need strategies to help them learn the way they need to learn, to grow and to flourish.”

He added, “Teaching is more than just teaching. It’s inspiring. It is selling education and hoping your students will buy into it. I’m trying to sell education every day and trying to changes lives every day.”

Johnson said he was extremely honored to receive the award.

“It really touched my heart,” he said. “I love Crowley, and I love the students here in Crowley. I love the faculty and staff. Crowley is family, and I enjoy what I do — to work with students who feel broken and feel helpless and to let them know that there is light, not only at the end of the tunnel, but there is light today. As we work together, we will achieve together. I love what I do.”

The Heartbeat Team Award is sponsored in part by Crowley ISD community partners EECU and Inspire Salon/Spa. Johnson received a $50 Visa gift card courtesy of EECU and a spa gift card for a custom facial courtesy of Inspire Salon/Spa.

Johnson will be recognized at the Crowley ISD Board of Trustees meeting on April 28.