Sophia is a wife, mother of 3 children, and a special education teacher at Kenwood Academy High School in Chicago.  Sophia goes above and beyond to make sure her students and their parents feel heard, involved and loved. Fueled by her passion of teaching and loving those with intellectual disabilities, Sophia launched a non-profit which she named F.L.O. Inc. (Full Life Opportunities) for adults with intellectual disabilities post high school graduation. Her unwavering commitment to her students, the Kenwood community and special needs students makes her our 2024 TEACHER OF THE YEAR!!

As a second-grade teacher and single parent to a ten-year-old, Johnetta embodies strength, grace, and unwavering dedication — both in and out of the classroom. Her classroom is not an easy one. She works with students who face significant behavioral challenges, often enduring daily tantrums that involve thrown furniture and damaged equipment. And yet, Johnetta meets every day — and every child — with compassion, patience, and love. Rather than give up on them, she leans in. She sees beyond the behaviors to the hearts of her students and creates a safe space where they feel seen, valued, and supported.

We will be taking nominations for our next deserving teacher to honor and celebrate soon!