King Middle School Teacher Tara Johnson Wins 11Alive Class Act Award

Atlanta Public Schools teacher Tara Johnson has won the 11Alive Class Act Award for her outstanding leadership at King Middle School and her ability to engage and ignite her seventh-grade students.  11Alive’s Donna Lowry surprised Johnson with the award in November during a visit to the Southeast Atlanta school.

King Middle School teacher Kandy Wilkinson nominated Johnson for the award after observing how effectively she was able to seize and hold her students’ attention.

“She connects with the students and she gets them interested and intrigues them with the lesson,” said Wilkinson.  Johnson’s positive demeanor also played a role:  Wilkinson noted that Johnson “always looks like she’s having a good time.”

Students like James Gregg have a deep appreciation for Johnson’s talents.

“I really do love my teacher,” he said.  “She is an amazing, affectionate person toward the students.” Gregg added that when Johnson helps the students, the classes become fun.

by Julia Suk, APS Office of Communications and External Affairs