I received an award I didn’t see coming!

Hello Reader,

I have to be honest with you.

I didn't grow up seeing a lot of people who looked like me being celebrated for choosing education, literacy, and service. So when I found out I was receiving the Unbreakable Spirit Award from an organization committed to uplifting Black men, I didn't know what to do with that at first.

Then it hit me.

Every late night. Every moment of doubt. Every classroom I walked into wondering if any of this was really making a difference it was all worth it.

It is making a difference.

I've spent years pouring everything I have into helping children learn to read and helping educators rediscover their purpose. That work doesn't always come with applause. Most days it doesn't. But I show up anyway because I know what's at stake when a child can't read and when a teacher stops believing they can make a difference.

This award reminds me that the mission is bigger than me.

If you've been following my journey, thank you for being a part of it. And if you're just learning about who I am I'm Rodrick C. Johnson, founder of Energized Educator, where I help teachers, coaches, and school leaders transform classrooms through the power of literacy.

The work continues.

To God be the glory.