Heroes Among Us - The Johnny Canales Story


NEWS RELEASE
RELEASE DATE: August 22, 2008

   


                                                   Johnny Canales Profile

(Jackson) -  Every day Johnny Canales steps onto a stage in front of an audience.  But he is not an actor; he is a teacher and the stage is a public school classroom. Canales’ tie, decorated with a pattern of pencils and books, is an outward testament of his love and excitement for teaching. Canales currently teaches seventh and eighth grade science at Chastain Middle School in the Jackson Public School District.  He has been teaching at Chastain for three years.
Canales is a part of the Mississippi Troops to Teachers (MSTTT) program.   The MSTTT program helps former military transition into a second career in teaching and places them in high-needs public schools statewide. 

Canales faithfully served his country in the Marine Corps from 1966-1991.  He served a tour in Vietnam, and he worked for the U.S. State Department in Brussels, Belgium.  He then served as jet engine maintenance chief at the Marine Corps Cherry Point Air Station, North Carolina.  In his last tour of duty Canales served as the Senior Non-Commissioned Officer in Charge for the Marine Corps recruitment command.  Canales received his undergraduate in Business Management from Northwood University in 1988.  In 2002, he attended the University of New Orleans, where he received his Master of Arts degree in Science Teaching. 

While growing up, teachers had a big influence on Canales and played a part in his decision to be a teacher.  Canales learned from some of the best teachers, and that has helped to mold him into the teacher he is today. He motivates the students in his science class by creatively raising the “why” questions.  “Curiosity drives science,” states Canales.  Canales also believes that reading comprehension is the key to learning.  He states that “if they can read better, then they can do math and science better.”

Mr. Victor Ellis, Chastain’s school principal, has observed Canales and his outstanding teacher and mentor skills.   Ellis states, “He is a professional who sets high standards of excellence for his students and himself.  Mr. Canales was recognized as teacher of the month for four consecutive months. He was also recognized for preparing key members of Chastain’s Science Challenge Bowl Team which placed first and third in the competition.” 

Canales is a science teacher with the Jackson Public Schools Academic and Performing Arts Complex (APAC).  The APAC program promotes readiness for college.  He helps students move toward completion of Advanced Placement courses, and the program gives better opportunities for the students to be selected by colleges.  Canales sets goals for his students to accomplish while at Chastain.  His objective is to engage academically advanced students to a rigorous curriculum.  He states, “I try to challenge these students to master new and meaningful skills and course content.”
Canales might not ever be a millionaire, but the reward of making a difference in a student’s life is priceless. Canales believes that a good teacher is fair, flexible, consistent, helpful, and full of loving kindness.  “I love teaching, and I love seeing the light-bulb go on in the students head”, states Canales.  “The wows, ahs, and ohs really reaffirm that what I am doing is fulfilling and meaningful.”