EDUCATION
Face of the week: Educator Johnathon Hines talks about accomplishments and what makes his days meaningful.
Johnathon Hines is the first black man to become Georgia’s Pre-K Teacher of the Year. In a conversation with DIZZYDIDDY+PLUS, he talked about his majors accomplishments, his passion for serving others and what makes his days meaningful.
DIZZYDIDDY+PLUS: Tell us about yourself
My name is Johnathon Hines. I’m from Atlanta Georgia. I am an educator and a motivational speaker. I enjoy spending time with my family. I have a beautiful 6 year old daughter name Jaelle who is my pride and joy. I graduated from the best HBCU in the land Albany State University. I also received my masters in elementary education from Grand Canyon University. I have five siblings that I admire and adore, and my parents are phenomenal!
DIZZYDIDDY+PLUS: Major Accomplishments:
The First African American Male to win Georgia Pre-K Teacher of the Year.
I was featured on: CNN, The Today Show, V-103, HOT 107.9, Kelly Clarkston, Because of Them We Can, The Shade Room, Fox5, Channel 2, WSB TV, 11Alive News, AJC Atlanta Constitution,
Awards: Proclamation from DeKalb County Board of Commissioner, featured in a college textbook Scientific American: Lifespan Development, Champion of Education from Albany State University, Iron Man Award, Dove Men Care… Off Court Champion, Honored by the United States Department of Education, Black Enterprise, The Talley Award, Governor Zell Miller Award Honoree, Veterans of Foreign Wars Teacher of The Year
DIZZYDIDDY+PLUS: What is your favorite thing about yourself?
My favorite thing about myself is that I am a free spirit and a people person. I love being able to go anywhere in the world and be social. I believe being a people person is a gift that God gave me to create impactful relationships everywhere I go.
DIZZYDIDDY+PLUS: What separates you from others who do what you do?
First, being a black male in Pre K separates me from the rest. The average number of black male teachers in the world is 2%! So that number decreases when you are a black male teacher in Pre K
DIZZYDIDDY+PLUS: How long have you doing what you do?
I have been teaching for 8 years focused on early child education.
DIZZYDIDDY+PLUS: If you could describe yourself in three words, what would they be? Explain why.
People Person, Dreamer, and Spontaneous
I do not meet a stranger; I can conversate with the youngest person in the room to the eldest senior. Dreamer – my mind never rest I have dreams and vision that keep me up. Always thinking of ways to implement a plan and bring it to fruition Spontaneous, I think on the spot not a person for really planning but a make it right now. Always open to adventure without a strategic plan.
DIZZYDIDDY+PLUS: If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
I would change the fact that I do not allow myself to enjoy my accomplishment. I am a person who accomplish a goal and immediately look for the next goal. So, I am learning to slow down, celebrate and enjoy each accomplishment big or small.
DIZZYDIDDY+PLUS: Who is your role model? Why?
My role models are my parents. They are my pillars of strength, wisdom, and true servanthood. They are my guide and give me the courage to battle obstacles in life. My mother, being a working professional, efficiently balanced work and a stable homelife for me. She was as is my loudest cheerleader. My father who is into industrial worker by day ensured that I had help with my studies. He has been my coach in life and on the court. My parents supported all my academic and extra curriculum activities. They always encouraged me in every aspect and motivate me even when I do not succeed. My mother always smiles, no matter what the circumstances are and that gives me the strength and inspiration to face all problems. My parents have made me understand what life is about and how to find that little ray of happiness in difficult situations. What I am today and what I will become in future involves the support and affection of my parents. They have made me disciplined, dedicated, true to myself and family, strong and sincere in all that I do.
DIZZYDIDDY+PLUS: Where do you see yourself 5 years from now?
I see myself as one of the biggest educational speakers in the world. Traveling local and internationally pouring knowledge into other educators. I also see my non-profit organization “No Look Assist Corporation” serving in the under privileged areas providing resources that will broaden their boarders and give exposure to venues that are only a fantasy.
DIZZYDIDDY+PLUS: What are your hopes and dreams for yourself in the coming 10 years?
Becoming a world know national speaker and author.
My dream is to be the first teacher that is on the same platform as athletes and entertainers.
My biggest dream is to receive a major sneaker deal from a top brand company. I find that students idolize athletes and entertainers and do not see that someone in my profession are Super Stars in our own right.
DIZZYDIDDY+PLUS: If you could give a bit of significant career advice to your younger self, what would you say?
I would tell myself to follow your heart if you are passionate about something… Do It. This will allow you to survive the challenges because they will come but you will not lose your focus.
DIZZYDIDDY+PLUS: What has been your career highlight until now?
My career highlight is making history by becoming the first African American male to win Georgia’s Pre-K Teacher of the Year.
DIZZYDIDDY+PLUS: What is the best advice you received that changed your life?
The best advice that I have received is Johnathon be your authentic self. You are uniquely crafted and fashioned by God no duplicate.
DIZZYDIDDY+PLUS: What is your biggest lifetime accomplishment?
My biggest lifetime accomplishment is becoming a father. Jaelle has given my life a whole new meaning. She is my best buddy always by my side. She is the joy of my morning, day and evening. I chase after my dreams to build a better future for her. My most important role in life is to be the best version of me as her dad.
DIZZYDIDDY+PLUS: What is your number one goal for 2023?
My number one goal is to be the Best version of myself: Mentally, Spiritually, Physically and Emotionally
DIZZYDIDDY+PLUS: Do you have a favorite quote?If yes, What is it?
Valuable lessons have been learned and instilled from a quote: “How you Do Anything Is How You Do Everything”
DIZZYDIDDY+PLUS: Do you have any favorite pairs of shoes? If yes, Explain. Yes, white Air Force 1. This shoe is extremely versatile. You can wear it with a suite to major events or kick them with a clean daily look.
DIZZYDIDDY+PLUS: What type of music do you love the most?
Hip-Hop and R&B
DIZZYDIDDY+PLUS: What is your favorite song of 2022?
DJ Khaled -GOD DID
DIZZYDIDDY+PLUS: What is the best movie you watched in 2022?
My daughter and I movie of the year is The Bad Guys
DIZZYDIDDY+PLUS: New York or L.A.? why?
New York because I love the fast-paced lifestyle and the endless list of things to do.
DIZZYDIDDY+PLUS: Money or Love? Why?
Love. Love is what drives me daily. Love is what make my days meaningful. Love brings me a sense peace and fulfillment.
DIZZYDIDDY+PLUS: What is the best gift you received in 2022?
The best gift I received was spending Christmas with my entire family.
DIZZYDIDDY+PLUS: What is the Funniest thing that happened to you in 2022?
It is my birthday and I realize I needed gas to make it to my birthday celebration. I stop at the gas station, close the door and walk into the store. Get back to the car checking for keys. No keys, you guessed it they are in the car on the floor. Roadside assistance is taking too long Superhero (Dad)to the rescue…. wire hanger does the trick, and we are off an rolling.
DIZZYDIDDY+PLUS: If you could thank two persons for everything you achieved in life so far, who would they be?
My parents!
DIZZYDIDDY+PLUS: What is your new year’s resolution?
Seize every opportunity that is presented to me that supports my vision, morals and goals in life.
DIZZYDIDDY+PLUS: Do you have a servant’s heart?
Yes, In the community that I am privileged to serve I recognized and understand the need to provide local youth with the tools they need to succeed in life. I envisioned a community that values and supports the wellbeing of all children and aim to show them success from a different point of view.
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