Meet Maresha Johnson

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Maresha Johnson. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Maresha below.

Maresha , we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.

I discovered my purpose at a very young age. No matter what I tried to do, I was always drawn back to helping others, to empathizing, counseling, and teaching. Even as a child, writing became my outlet, a way to process my feelings, though I didn’t share my work at the time. Growing up in a challenging environment filled with negativity and discouragement, I faced mental struggles without anyone to guide me through the trauma. These experiences shaped me and fueled my determination to be better, to rise above the circumstances I was in.

Initially, I went into teaching because it was my second option when I couldn’t pursue psychology, but I later realized that teaching laid the foundation for me to return to my true passion. It became clear to me that my purpose was to be a beacon of hope for others—especially for those facing mental health challenges or trauma, who might feel alone. I knew I wanted to become a psychologist, a motivational speaker, someone who inspires and supports others to overcome their difficulties and find their strength.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

I have been an educator for 10 years, and my passion lies in helping children learn, especially ensuring they can read before the age of five. This belief has only strengthened since having my daughter, as I’ve become even more fascinated with early literacy. In the classroom, I use diverse instructional strategies to help my students become the best versions of themselves.

What excites me most about being an educator is meeting new students each year. Each group brings new personalities and challenges, allowing me to continuously evolve my teaching methods and connect with them in meaningful ways. Beyond the classroom, I serve as the school’s culture agent, a role I’ve held for the past six years. This position has deepened my appreciation for our culture, as I need to be well-versed in every aspect to effectively teach and represent it to our students. It’s an honor to have brought my school onto national television multiple times since 2018 and to have contributed significantly through publications and initiatives like the creation of our school’s first culture wall.

I’m also known as an event organizer and a go-to person for fresh ideas to enhance our school’s environment. I aim to motivate and inspire new teachers, which led me to host the EduMasters Summit. This event was designed to help new teachers prepare their portfolios and become effective and efficient educators—a tradition I plan to continue annually.

Recently, I published my second book, Nai’Jahs World: Discovering Social and Emotional Learning, which has garnered great interest and even landed me another interview on Television Jamaica. I’m also close to publishing my third book, Embrace and Evolve, which will guide principals, educators, parents, and others on integrating social and emotional learning (SEL) into daily life. This book will serve as a blueprint for creating programs and lesson plans, particularly for HFLE (Health and Family Life Education) lessons.

Looking ahead, I’m collaborating with a team of teachers to write a book aimed at helping students learn to read by the age of five. I’m always focused on growth, development, and uplifting others along my journey.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

So three key tips from my journey:

1. Cultivate a Love for Learning: For me, having a genuine passion for learning and personal development has been crucial. I always stay curious and seek out new learning opportunities, whether through mentorship, self-study, or staying updated with the latest developments in my field. I also love constructive criticism; I always take it to heart and use it to improve my work. This continuous growth really sets you apart.
2. Maintain Professionalism: It’s important to keep your professional and personal lives separate. No matter what challenges or issues you face, staying professional helps you focus on your responsibilities and contribute effectively. I’ve found that keeping things professional makes my job smoother and more manageable.
3. Adapt and Refresh Your Environment: Each year, I change up my classroom environment to fit the unique personalities and needs of my new students. This keeps my passion alive and makes each year feel fresh and exciting. By continually adapting and finding new ways to engage, I stay motivated and effective.

Bonus Tip: Prioritize Self-Care: Teaching can be overwhelming, so I always make sure to take time for rest and self-care. Regular breaks and mental health days are crucial for recharging. Balancing professional responsibilities with personal well-being helps me stay effective and energized.

Who has been most helpful in helping you overcome challenges or build and develop the essential skills, qualities or knowledge you needed to be successful?

The most influential figures in my life, especially in overcoming challenges and developing essential skills, have undoubtedly been my parents. Reflecting on my journey, I realize how much they did with the limited resources they had. We grew up in humble beginnings, and the most valuable gifts my mother imparted to me were humility and a love for learning.

As I became an adult and achieved my goals, one of my first priorities was to build a home for my parents. We grew up in a board house with an outdoor bathroom, and despite their financial struggles, my parents sacrificed everything to send me to college, recognizing my determination to be the first in our family to pursue higher education and change our narrative. My sister also played a vital role in supporting me during this time.

Looking back, I am deeply grateful for all who have been part of my journey. I was able to provide my parents with a comfortable home, even before securing one for myself. This came with significant financial struggles, and there were days when I wasn’t sure how I would make it through. However, these challenges motivated me, and I was blessed to have help from others along the way.

My faith was also a cornerstone during these times, especially the promise I felt God made to me in 2015 after I left college: to trust Him, for He would never leave nor forsake me. The struggle fueled my determination because I wanted a better life.

Five years later, I had my daughter, who has since become one of my greatest inspirations. She inspired me to write my first book, Letters to My Daughter. Being a mother has driven me to places I never imagined and, on difficult days, the thought of her alone propels me to reach my full potential, knowing that my purpose must be fulfilled. With these people in my life who look up to me, and everyone who expects nothing but the best from me, I strive to be nothing but the best version of myself—a role model and inspiration for my daughter and others around me , who imitates me every day.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: iammaresha