Culture teams at Noble Schools are always hard at work to help our students succeed and be their best selves. They serve in a variety of roles from mentor to mediator to social-emotional teacher. This week, we’re featuring the Culture team from Johnson College Prep! Learn more about these amazing educators:
Antoine Neal | Dean of Culture
Education: Southern New Hampshire University (currently enrolled)
Area of Study: Business management
Joined JCP Family: 2016
Antoine Neal.
Neal assisting the PAC (Parent Advisory Council) with Donuts and Coffee for a PAC meeting.
Q: What do you love most about your job, and why did you decide to be an educator?
A: I decided to be an educator because I knew I could make an impact on the youth. I didn’t have those types of resources growing up. I wanted to be a part of change. I love that I can be part of a place where kids can just be themselves and not get judged. I love to show kids that I’m invested in them, good or bad.
Q: What is a common misconception about your role as a culture specialist?
A: (That) we are just security guards and hallway monitors. (I wish people knew) how dedicated and invested I am to this work. We conduct classes for students who need additional support and help with supporting students to do well academically and socially.
Q: What kind of competition could your students not beat you at?
A: Ping pong, pool, and bowling!
Q: How would you describe Johnson’s community?
A: A family-oriented vibe. We have high expectations for our scholars, and we help and support them in all ways.
Dezjonte Howard | Culture Specialist & Assistant Football Coach
Education: Robert Morris University | Roosevelt University
Area of Study: Business
Joined JCP Family: 2023
Dezjonte Howard.
Howard having an impromptu check-in with a student.
Q: What do you love most about your job, and why did you decide to be an educator?
A: I love building relationships with kids and staff within the building and creating a welcoming, family-like environment. I’m the listener because scholars feel safe sharing problems, concerns, or accomplishments with me. This is probably due to the advice I give them according to the situation.
Q: What kind of competition could your students not beat you at?
A: Football, track (sprinting), and chess!
Q: What is a common misconception about your role as a Culture Specialist?
A: A common misconception is that culture members are intentionally picking on students or doing more than we need to. We do more than monitor the hallways and facilitate weekly reflections. I wish people knew that it is more than just being security and that, at times, we can be counselors, teachers, coaches, and advisors.
Q: How would you describe Johnson’s community?
A: Johnson’s community is welcoming and supportive. I often see students gravitate towards staff of their choice and build relationships with them.
Curtis Melton | Culture Specialist & Basketball Coach
Education: Illinois State University | Southern New Hampshire University (currently enrolled)
Area of Study: Business
Joined JCP Family: 2020
Last year, a 9th-grade advisory made Melton a gratitude basket to express how much they appreciated him.
Q: What do you love most about your job, and why did you decide to be an educator?
A: The relationships I build with my kids! I love y’all! I decided to become an educator because of Mr. Cleaves. He was a member of the culture team when I attended Muchin, and he always checked in after I graduated. He encouraged me to join the team and I haven’t looked back since.
Q: What kind of competition could your students not beat you at?
A: Basketball.
Q: What is a common misconception about your role as a culture specialist?
A: The first misconception is that we only sit at a desk. It’s more than sitting at a desk and accepting (hall) passes. We build relationships and mentor students to learn how to make the right decisions. Another misconception about the role is that we are against students. There are times when students are right and need support to have their voices heard. There are also times when students are not in the right, and it may feel like we are only taking the adult’s side. Everyone deserves to be heard and have a voice—students and staff alike.
Q: How would you describe Johnson’s community?
A: The community is strong! We are a family in here, and you can feel it!
