Louanne Johnson 1953- PRESENT

INTRODUCTION
After being raised in Youngsville, Pennsylvania, Louanne
Johnson went on to serve in the US Navy and US Marine Corps.
She also became an author and eventually, a teacher.

MILITARY SERVICE
After her brief time at the Indiana University of Pennsylvania,
Johnson left to enlist in the US Navy. She was sent to serve at
the Clark Air Base in the Phillipines in which she served a total
of nine years. In those nine years, she achieved the rank of Petty
Officer First Class. She eventually moved to the US Marine
Corps, where she rose to the rank of Second Lieutenant.

MILITARY AWARDS &

ACHIEVEMENTS
Based on her time in the Navy, Johnson wrote the book “Making
Waves: A Woman in this Man’s Navy” published in 1986.
Additionally, for her service in the military as a journalist and
radio-television broadcaster, Johnson was awarded the Navy
Commendation Medal and the Air Force Achievement Award.

EDUCATION
After her service, Johnson furthered her education earning:
Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of
LaVerne in Laverne, California
Master’s degree in teaching English from Notre Dame de
Namur University in Belmont, California
Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Sage Colleges, in
Albany, New York

TEACHING
In 1989, , Johnson started her first teaching position as an intern
at Carlmont High School in Belmont, California. In this job, she
taught reading and writing to non-English speakers. After a
couple years, Johnson earned a position as the department chair
for a program designated for at-risk teens. This program was
established number 1 out of 10 similar programs in student
academic achievement, increased self-esteem, and retention.

BOOK TO MOVIE
In 1992, Johnson published one of her most popular books, “My
Posse Don’t Do Homework,” based on her time working on the
program with at-risk teens. This book was later adapted for a
movie, “Dangerous Minds” in 1995.

AUTHOR
Over time, Johnson has written and published many books such
as:
“Muchacho”
“Teaching Outside the Box: How to Grab Your Students By
Their Brains”
“The Girls in the Back of the Class

CONCLUSION
Johnson has continued to to teach in positions such as high
school English, adult ESL and Developmental Reading. Currently,
she resided in New Mexico as a full-time professor of teacher
education at Santa Fe Community College.
References:
“Amazon.Com: Louanne Johnson: Books, Biography, Latest Update.” LouAnne Johnson, Amazon.com, www.amazon.com/stores/LouAnne-Johnson/author/B000AQ31UA?
ref=ap_rdr&store_ref=ap_rdr&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true. Accessed 11 Mar. 2024.
“Book Louanne Johnston for Speaking, Events and Appearances.” APB Speakers, www.apbspeakers.com/speaker/louanne-johnson/. Accessed 10 Mar. 2024.
“LouAnne Johnson: Educator, Author, and Veteran.” Chalkboardchampions.Org, chalkboardchampions.org/louanne-johnson-educator-author-and-veteran/. Accessed 6
Nov. 2020.