UMO Alumnus Named Johnston County Teacher Of The Year

JOHNSTON COUNTY – When James Johnson walked across the stage at the North Carolina FFA State Convention as a high school senior and committed to studying agricultural education at the University of Mount Olive (UMO), he had no idea the path ahead would one day lead to being named Johnston County Teacher of the Year.

Now, just six years after graduating from UMO, Johnson has earned one of the highest honors in public education, receiving the 2026 Flame for Learning Teacher of the Year Award for Johnston County Public Schools.

A native of Selma, North Carolina, and graduate of North Johnston High School, Johnson teaches agricultural mechanics at his alma mater, where he is helping prepare students for careers in welding, fabrication, equipment repair, and other skilled trades.

“To be honest, I never thought it would happen,” Johnson said. “When I was nominated, I was honored just to be recognized. Once I made it to the final 20, I wanted to make my students proud and be a voice for them, showing that the skills they learn in our classroom and shop are just as important as any other subject area.”

Johnson enrolled at the University of Mount Olive in the spring of 2016 and graduated in the spring of 2020 with a degree in Agricultural Education. He credits a conversation with educators at North Johnston High School for introducing him to UMO and ultimately shaping his career path.

At UMO, Johnson immersed himself in the University’s agricultural programs, working in the arboretum and on the university’s Kornegay Student Farm while serving as a Collegiate FFA officer and North Carolina Teach Ag Ambassador. Those experiences provided practical skills and leadership opportunities that continue to influence his teaching today.

“Working at the arboretum and the Kornegay Student Farm taught me many things, including equipment maintenance, plumbing repairs, and machinery repair,” Johnson said. “Those experiences gave me confidence in the classroom because I had personal experiences to share with my students.”

Johnson also credits several UMO faculty members for helping shape his professional journey. From his first interactions with the former Dean of the School of Agriculture and Biological Sciences, Dr. Sandy Maddox, to hands-on learning experiences with agricultural mechanics instructor Tim Warren and the encouragement of animal science professor Dr. Heather Glennon, Johnson found mentors who challenged, encouraged, and inspired him throughout his college career.

After completing his student teaching during the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, Johnson officially joined the faculty at North Johnston High School on July 1, 2020. Since then, he has built a program centered on real-world learning. His students routinely repair agricultural equipment for local farmers, fabricate custom projects, and gain experience working on jobs that mirror industry expectations.

“I try to operate our shop as a working welding and fabrication shop,” Johnson explained. “The skills and hands-on experiences we provide are designed to help students be successful after high school, whether they choose college or go directly into the workforce.”

That student-centered philosophy was a key factor in his selection as Teacher of the Year. When his name was announced at the Johnston County Flame for Learning Awards ceremony, Johnson admits he was stunned.

“They told us they were going to announce the finalists and winner in alphabetical order,” he recalled. “When another finalist’s name was called after mine should have been announced, I thought I was out of the running. Then they said, ‘The winner of the 2026 Flame for Learning Teacher of the Year, from North Johnston High School, James Johnson.’ I was honestly caught off guard.”

For Johnson, the recognition represents more than personal achievement. It is also an opportunity to highlight the value of career and technical education.

“These jobs are needed,” he said. “Welding, plumbing, carpentry, electrical work, mechanics, and masonry are essential professions. I want students to understand that these careers are important and that they can build successful futures through skilled trades.”

One of Johnson’s most rewarding moments came when a former student who had struggled early in welding classes returned after graduation to share that he had completed additional training and secured a welding job helping construct bridge components.

“He told me he was able to buy a nice truck and provide for his family,” Johnson said. “I told him it had nothing to do with me and everything to do with his determination and hard work.”

Johnson believes his success is rooted in the educators who invested in him throughout his own journey.

“I am a direct product of the Agricultural Education Program at North Johnston High School,” he said. “My success as Johnston County Teacher of the Year is a direct result of teachers pouring into me when I was a student and continuing to mentor me when I came back to teach.”

Today, Johnson and his wife, Sarah, a fellow UMO agricultural education graduate and Assistant Director of the Lois G. Britt Agribusiness Center, remain committed to agricultural education and service. The couple lives in Kenly and is active in their church and community.

Looking ahead, Johnson hopes to use his new platform to advocate for career and technical education while continuing to impact students one at a time.

“My goal is to retire as an agriculture teacher,” he said. “I want to continue helping students believe in themselves, even when they can’t see their own potential yet.”

The University of Mount Olive is a private institution rooted in the liberal arts tradition with defining Christian values. The University was founded by the Convention of Original Free Will Baptists.