November 12th 2023.
Jeniqua Johnson, a teacher from the Southview Elementary School in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, recently received an unexpected surprise. She was named the first recipient of the First Year Educator grant, sponsored by the Eta Xi Omega chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority.
When Johnson heard the news, she was "really surprised." The grant includes a $1,000 award, which she plans to use to purchase educational tools for her students, particularly those who are English Language Learners or have autism.
Dr. Shanté Morton, president of the Eta Xi Omega Chapter, told the Tuscaloosa Thread that the grant was designed to help first-year teachers in a time of immense growth and learning. She added that the high turnover rate for teachers is concerning, so they hope that by providing support, more teachers will stay in the field.
Morton also mentioned that the grant is part of the sorority’s Uplift Our Local Community Initiative, a pledge to support and empower members of their communities.
Romika Amerson, the principal of Southview Elementary, praised Johnson for her unique ability to connect with students and their parents. Amerson told the Tuscaloosa Thread, “Students know that she expects the best from them and she believes in their ability to perform well. She takes time to know her students individually.”
The grant and the support of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority has been a great source of encouragement for Johnson. She looks forward to using the money to provide her students with much-needed educational tools. It’s clear that Johnson is an exemplary teacher and her students are lucky to have her.
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