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2021 Illinois Teacher of the Year
Justin Johnson serves as Director of Bands at Niles West High School (IL). In this position, he oversees the operation and administration of the program that includes the Symphonic Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band, Concert Band, Jazz Band, Percussion Ensemble, and Marching Band. Over the past ten years under his direction, the ensembles have been recognized for outstanding achievements including performances at the Jazz Educators Conference (New Orleans), The Sugar Bowl Halftime, and Pearl Harbor (HI).
Mr. Johnson is the recipient of numerous awards and honors. In 2016, he was named a finalist for the Golden Apple Award and named Teacher of Distinction. He was the 2020 recipient of the Zemsky Teacher of the Year award for Niles West High School, a 2020-21 Teach Plus Illinois ILSTOY Policy Fellow, and the 2021 Illinois Teacher of the Year.
This week, we welcomed the 2021 Illinois Teacher of the Year, Justin Johnson, who spoke to us about music education and the need the to hire and retain a diverse teaching community.