Johnson accepts role as Liberty assistant principal

MADISON – Ambra Johnson feels passionate about education and about Liberty Middle School. She has accepted the role of assistant principal at Liberty.

“Liberty has such an amazing culture. Teachers and staff are dedicated, driven and innovative. They are always open to change, open to trying something new to better help our students,” she said.

Johnson has observed Liberty teachers continuously collaborating, questioning and reflecting. “I wanted to take on a bigger role in cultivating this culture and the constantly evolving education process to give our students the best possible experience,” Johnson said.

“I’m proud to say I started as a first-year teacher in the Madison City Schools district,” Johnson said about moving in 2008 to accept the job. For several years, she taught English/language arts and creative writing. Then, she became Liberty’s instructional partner before accepting the assistant principal job.

Describing her teaching philosophy, Johnson believes it is critical for teachers and students to realize the world is constantly changing, including education. “Students should be aggressive to learn to ask questions, lean into their struggles and feed their passions.”

At Auburn University, she received bachelor’s and master’s degrees summa cum laude in secondary education English/language arts. She gained education specialist certification at Middle Tennessee State University and Class A certification in instructional leadership from Jacksonville State University.

Currently, Johnson is pursuing a doctorate’s degree in education at Samford University.

“Teachers are vital in all of our lives and shape our future whether they realize it or not. I was blessed with so many excellent teachers in the Scottsboro City School System,” Johnson said.

One of those educators, Betty Esslinger at Scottsboro High School, has taught for 46 years. “I am so blessed to have been a student sitting in her eleventh-grade classroom,” Johnson said.

“Betty Esslinger definitely possesses a passion for content but, more importantly, is the recognition of her overflowing passion for children,” Johnson said. “She pushed me outside of my comfort zone. She believed in me when I did not. She taught me how to be a better human being and, for that, I’m forever grateful.”