Brian Johnson selected as Austin Teacher of the Year

Johnson came to Austin in 1987 and credits his success as a teacher to his professional relationship with Phil Burkhart, Ellis Middle School band teacher, and other Austin teachers.

“I couldn’t have come to a better place,” Johnson told students.

Johnson doesn’t necessarily do things different from other teachers, but said he finds out about his students and takes an interest in their lives to figure out how they can achieve academic and musical success.

“You know how far you can push them,” Johnson said.

It’s that dedication to students that made him such a respected teacher among staff and students.