Meet the Teacher Advisory Council: Danielle Townsend of Johnston ES!

The Cherokee County School District’s newly formed Superintendent’s Teacher Advisory Council provides educators with the opportunity to share valued feedback.  The talent of our teachers is unparalleled and their dedication to go the extra mile is unmatched!  Over the coming weeks, we'll be introducing each Council member to our community.  You can learn more about the Council and see the full list of its members online here.

Danielle Townsend of Johnston Elementary School

A 20-year educator, Ms. Townsend is a lead ESOL (English to Speakers of Other Languages) teacher for grades K-5 at Johnston ES. She taught third grade in Gwinnett County for one year "before joining the CCSD family." Ms. Townsend has taught fourth grade (at Hasty ES Fine Arts Academy and Knox ES STEM Academy) before joining Johnston ES, where she has taught fifth grade, Early Intervention Program and ESOL. "This is my fifth year as an English Language Learner teacher," she said, "and it has been my favorite and most rewarding role to date."

What inspired you to become a teacher?
Several factors influenced my decision to become a teacher. The first was my love for children and wanting to have a positive impact in their lives, by helping, loving, and educating them in a way that would have a lasting impact. The second would be my mother and grandmother, who were also teachers. I saw what they did for others and knew I wanted my life to follow in the same direction.

What do you find most rewarding about your job?
The students -- always the students -- and the “aha” moments. The population of students I serve face multiple challenges in the classroom, and it can be very difficult for our language learners. My favorite moments are when the content becomes comprehensible and you watch the learning before your eyes, the realization in theirs, and the confidence grow. I am convinced there is no greater joy.

How do you elevate the excellence in your classroom?
I believe in each and every one of my students. I do not view their lack of the English language as a limitation, but rather a unique learning tool that allows me the opportunity to provide experiences, information, and knowledge in ways that are meaningful to my students. These students bring so much to the table (language, culture, experiences, family, the list goes on!), and they should be celebrated, not doubted. If you want your students to achieve, first, you must believe they can.

#CCSDElevateTheExcellence