Janiyah Johnson, SGTC Early Childhood Care and Education Alumnae, named 2025 – 2026 Teacher of the Year for Macon County Schools

   “South Georgia Technical College and the people there taught me that it is never about how you start, but how you finish!” said Janiyah Johnson, a 2017 Early Childhood Care and Education graduate, who was named the 2025 – 2026 Teacher of the Year for the Macon County School System.  She returned recently and participated in SGTC’s Homecoming and Alumni Day celebration.

   The Macon County School System describes Johnson as “a passionate and dedicated educator at Macon County Elementary School, who has spent the past five years inspiring students and supporting fellow teachers with unwavering commitment and grace.

   “Known for her tireless work ethic and servant leadership, Ms. Johnson goes above and beyond to ensure that every child has the opportunity to succeed. Whether volunteering her time to help students master academic skills or collaborating with colleagues to coordinate both academic and extracurricular programs, her impact is felt throughout the school community,” said Macon County School officials.

    Johnson began her educational career at South Georgia Technical College in the Early Childhood Care and Education program and she credits a work study job in the Business Office for helping her be able to stay on campus and discover the path that would allow her to achieve her life purpose. 

   She is a true example of how “Two Great Choices in One Great Community” can work together to expand our communities. Upon her upon completion of her associate’s degree at SGTC, Johnson attended Georgia Southwestern State University where she went on to achieve both her bachelor’s degree as well as her master’s degree.  But she didn’t stop there. She currently holds a tier 1 certification in leadership from the University of West Georgia as well as graduated from there in December 2025 with a specialist degree in elementary education.

   “I truly enjoyed my time at South Georgia Technical College where I met so many of my lifelong friends,” said Johnson.  “While there I lived on campus and I worked as a resident assistant under Director of Campus Safety Chief Sammy Stone as well as a work study student in the Business Office where all the ladies pushed and encouraged me to be my best self,” said Johnson.

   She credited Tawanna Tyson to SGTC Vice President of Administrative Services Lea Coe to Mrs. Gloria Bell and others for being so helpful and encouraging.  She also had words of praise for her Early Childhood Care and Education instructor, Mrs. Jaye Cripe.

    “Mrs. Cripe chose me to represent the Early Childhood Care and Education program as her Student of Excellence,” said Johnson.  “I did and won the overall competition and was selected as the Student of Excellence for the college.”

   Johnson says that she “chose South Georgia Tech because I knew my purpose, but I had no plan.  I quickly learned that it was God that placed me there in that season, because the staff, students, and just everyone that I came in contact with while I was there wanted to see me win.  They taught me that it was never about how you start, but how you finish!

   “I am always sharing how my experience at South Georgia Tech helped shaped me to become who I am today,” said Johnson.

   Ms. Johnson is the proud mother of two sons and brings the same nurturing spirit to her classroom that she does to her home. Her ability to connect with students, motivate peers, and foster a positive learning environment makes her a true role model and a pillar of excellence at Macon County Elementary.

  South Georgia Technical College is very proud of Ms. Janiyah Johnson and how she exemplifies the impact SGTC alumni can have on their communities through dedication, continued learning, and a commitment to student success.