Music educator Jim Johnson (left) of Eastvale, California, has just earned the 2021 Veteran Teacher Award from the Southern California School Bands and Orchestra Association.. Photo credit: Jim Johnson.

I always enjoy sharing the stories of superlative educators who have earned accolades for their work with young people. One of these is Jim Johnson, a music educator from Eastvale, California. Jim has just been named the recipient of the 2021 Veteran Teacher Award by the Southern California School Band and Orchestra Association (SCSBOA).

The Veteran Teacher Award is awarded  to teachers who have made an extraordinary contribution to local music education, and who have taught 20 years or more. In a career that has spanned more than three decades, Jim has taught band and orchestra at all levels, including elementary school, junior high school, high school, and college. Currently, he serves as the Director of Bands and Color Guard for Eleanor Roosevelt High School (ERHS), a public high school located in the Corona Norco Unified School District. There he instructs over 250 student musicians in marching band and orchestra ensembles.

Before working at ERHS, Jim directed music programs at Travis Ranch Middle School in Yorba Linda, CA;  Palm Springs High School in Palm Springs, CA; Rancho Cucamonga High School in Racncho Cucamonga, CA; and Esperanza High School in Anaheim, CA. “Every position Jim Johnson has taken on has resulted in success for students and schools,” reads the SCSBOA announcement of his award.

In addition to his responsibilities in the classroom, Jim has also served as an SCSBOA Field and Parade adjudicator and as a member of the music list committee. He has hosted field show tournaments and solo and ensemble festivals. He has also supported the honor groups as a manager of the All-Southern Jazz Honor Band.

Congratulations, Jim! To read more about this superlative music educator, see this link to CNUSD.