Audrey Johnson has been an educator for over 25 years working in Kansas City, Kansas, Kansas City, MO as well in Memphis, TN. Ms. Johnson has worked at both the elementary and middle school level and served as a SPA Nola Leadership Coach for three years. Her most current role was as a Principal in a K-8 school in Memphis. Ms. Johnson's first role as principal was in an elementary school, which was on the priority list and a part of Shelby County Schools' Striving School pilot. During her 4-year tenure of aggressive work, Ms. Johnson and her team were able to move this school from the priority list and shift the trajectory for the students in this school community. Ms. Johnson and her team were able to lead this school to become a 4-year Reward school in the state of Tennessee. Ms. Johnson has continued to serve students that are in high priority areas and worked in turn-around work. Most of her work has been in areas that serve schools in the bottom 5% of state achievement. She has a passion for educating students in these areas. Seeing her students turn other people's doubts and thoughts of impossibility to possibilities; these students, who she calls the underdogs to become successful, turning disbelief into belief, fills her heart with joy. Before becoming an educator, she has served in the United States Air Force, became a waitress after being honorably discharged, worked at the Board of Education as a secretary in Kansas City, KS, and later became a teacher. Ms. Johnson holds a B.A. degree in Elementary Education, a M.S. degree in Marriage and Family Therapy, as well as a M.A. degree in Educational Supervision and Leadership. Other educational roles include her work as a School Counselor, Literacy Coach, and New Leader for New Schools Resident Principal. Ms. Johnson truly believes in the power of leadership development, whether it is personal, for teachers, parents, or students. Leadership has power, moves mountains, shapes nations, and determines our future. Always a teacher, always a leader!