Today we’d like to introduce you to Johnathon Hines.
Johnathon, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
Every story has a beginning and an ending, but what happens when your story is created along the way? Most children are asked, “What would you like to be when you grow up?” My vision was always to be a professional basketball player, not a teacher. They say if you want to make God laugh, tell him your plans. God provided me with a glimpse of the professional basketball life but rerouted my journey, placing me on a completely different path.
I played basketball as a child, throughout grade school, high school, and even gained a scholarship to play as an undergraduate while gaining a Bachelor’s Degree in Science. I went on to play overseas for two years but little did I know, that God had something bigger in store for me. I came back home after the second year of playing and though I felt content that I had reached my personal goal as a professional basketball player, I knew that there was more in store for my life. In fact, I often wondered, what’s next? I jumped from one odd job to the next, to make ends meet for a year, but nothing was truly fulfilling.
It wasn’t until I was at my wits end that I decided to become a Paraprofessional. After a short time in the role, I knew that was a new calling on my life. As a Paraprofessional, I was a sponge grasping onto everything that I could attain. I learned the dos and the don’ts of what it took to be a lead teacher. I quickly learned the temperament of the impressionable children that attended the class every day. I also learned that teaching went beyond the classroom as most of the children didn’t have father figures or role models in the home. After gaining the understanding of the aforementioned, my new quest in life was to become a lead teacher! After a few years in my new profession, I was selected as one of three finalists for Pre-K Teacher Of The Year for the state of Georgia for this school year.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Honestly, becoming a lead teacher has been pretty smooth aside from a few expected bumps in the road. I’ve had some struggles along the way with parents when I first began. Being a male teacher in a Pre-K classroom created a little anxiety for some parents who wondered if I would be too much of a disciplinarian or too hard with the younger age group. It took time for those parents to see that I have high expectations of my students both with academics and behavior but it’s also balanced with providing a loving and nurturing environment.
Please tell us about Barack H. Obama Elementary Magnet School of Technology – what should we know?
My greatest accomplishments in education include changing parents’ opinion of the public school system, creating a passion for learning with children and creating admiration for teachers through sharing my classroom experience with others through videos. My students’ vast array of accomplishments and the excitement they bring to the classroom on a daily basis has made us celebrities on social media and in the community.
All of our educational videos garnered the attention of Twinkl USA, the world’s largest provider of downloadable teaching and learning resources. A representative from the UK based company reached out to me saying, “Mr. Hines! We ADORE your video and would love to send you some of our educational pre-kindergarten resources for free!” “We would also like to re-post your videos highlighting your exceptional teaching style and enthusiastic students!”
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
There are many people who deserve the credit behind my success in the classroom. My parents and other family members have been extremely supportive in my career. My school-level and district-level administrators are a huge factor for me being able to do what I do each year. My co-teacher is in my lifeline each day as we navigate the Pre-K life and there are so many others that are behind the scene supporters and partners! I would also like to give a special shout out to Alivia Edwards Andre Johnson and Krystle Scarbough!
Contact Info:
- Address: 3806 Austin Park Lane
Decatur, Ga 30032 - Website: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5JT7MtTosKNjCDcqC6Bj1w
- Phone: 4044617485
- Email: johnathonhines@yahoo.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/swooshmoneyhines/
Image Credit:
Dekalb County Schools
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