LouAnne Johnson

Renowned public school teacher LouAnne Johnson doesn’t back down from a fight. A former Marine Corps Officer and US Navy Journalist, Johnson took her military discipline and commitment to the classroom, motivating the students that no one else could. A nationally recognized educator, Johnson’s bestselling novel, My Posse Don’t Do Homework, was adapted for the movie Dangerous Minds, staring Michelle Pfeiffer. Wrestling with a class of challenging adolescents facing their last chance at school, Johnson worked to bring out the inherent value in each of them by honoring their spirit and nurturing a newfound sense of self-confidence. Johnson’s unconventional style works by encouraging students, rather than condemning them; persuading rather than threatening; and earning respect rather than demanding it. Her constant support and unorthodox teaching strategies instituted a phenomenal success rate in her students, earning a first place ranking in higher grade point averages while simultaneously increasing student self-esteem, academic achievement and class retention. Bringing the same captivating spirit to her talks as she does to the classroom, Johnson is now sharing her remarkable story and insight with audiences around the country.

An author of 11 books, Johnson’s common sense, humor and practical ideas about education come to life in her writing. Johnson not only writes books directed at teachers, including Teaching Outside the Box: How to Grab Your Students By Their Brains, but at students, including Muchacho and That Darn Donkey! Her award winning young adult and children’s books are as encouraging to students as her teaching, encouraging perseverance in the face of challenges, and faith in oneself when all seems lost.

Johnson's knack for finding original solutions to intractable problems has not only made her an exemplary teacher, but also a popular and inspiring speaker. With her years of experience working with challenging students, Johnson has more than a few stories to tell. A passionate advocate for public schools, Johnson shares her insight into and solutions for the growing complexities that public schools are facing, motivating audiences to fight for every student. Tough, funny and wise, Johnson reveals the valuable life lessons she learned from her students, showing audiences how to succeed against the odds and to believe that anything is possible.