Celebrating Excellence: Akron Public Schools Rachel Johnson Named Ohio State Board District Teacher of the Year!

We have some incredible news to share with our Akron Public Schools community! Following a rigorous statewide nomination, application, and selection process, our very own Rachel Johnson has been named one of the 11 State Board District Teachers of the Year for the 2027 Cohort.

Each year, the Ohio Teacher of the Year nominations open from February through March, allowing school administrators, colleagues, community members, parents, and students to nominate exceptional educators. This year, Rachel’s profound impact on her students and peers rightfully took center stage.

Rachel is a dedicated Teacher of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DHH) here at Akron Public Schools. A proud 2009 graduate of Kent State University’s Deaf Education program, Rachel has spent her career mastering the art of accessible, engaging, and deeply individualized instruction.

By seamlessly integrating accommodations, cutting-edge assistive technology, and explicit language development strategies, she ensures that every DHH student in our district can fully communicate and thrive.

What truly sets Rachel apart is her unwavering focus on self-advocacy. She doesn't just teach academic content; she intentionally equips her students with the tools to understand their own needs and confidently navigate both educational and post-secondary settings.

Rachel developed this passion early in her career at Ellet Community Learning Center, where she taught high school transition skills, managed modified self-contained curricula, and supported student success in general education coursework—always through the lens of building student independence.

Today, Rachel’s classroom spans the entire city. She travels between 10 and 15 different school buildings, serving kindergarten through 12th-grade students across Akron Public Schools. "By supporting all of the stakeholders in a child’s life, Johnson hopes to have a larger impact on their educational journey."

Beyond providing vital direct instruction to her students, Rachel works tirelessly to elevate our entire instructional team. She collaborates with and supports everyone in a child’s life—from substitute teachers and veteran educators to school administrators. She is a true visionary leader whose collaborative spirit raises the bar for educational practice district-wide.

Please join us in congratulating Rachel Johnson on this prestigious and well deserved honor! We are incredibly proud to have her representing Akron Public Schools. 

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