LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

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Johana Quintero

Position: Kindergarten Teacher
School: Elaine Wynn Elementary School
School District: Clark County School District
City, State: Las Vegas, NV

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Johana Quintero was nominated by her colleague, Ryan DeVries. 

Ms. Quintero is an extraordinary educator and an inspiring leader at Wynn Elementary School. As a kindergarten teacher and instructional leader, she demonstrates a deep commitment to student success and the professional growth of her colleagues. Her passion for education and dedication to excellence make her a true LifeChanger.

Her classroom is a model of inclusion and innovation. She has transformed students' lives who began the year unable to write their names or communicate by guiding them toward reading and writing with patience, love, and kindness. Her hands-on, engaging activities, particularly in math, ensure all students—regardless of ability—can access and master content. Her exceptional classroom management and scaffolding techniques create a learning environment where every child thrives.

Beyond her classroom, Ms. Quintero is a pillar of support for her team. As an instructional leader, she facilitates Professional Learning Communities (PLCs), where she helps teachers analyze student data, plan purposeful lessons, and design remediation or enrichment opportunities. Her leadership during implementing new curricula, including serving as a model teacher for the 95 Phonics program, has inspired educators across the Clark County School District to adopt effective, student-centered practices.

Ms. Quintero is also a trusted mentor for new teachers, offering guidance on classroom management and instructional strategies and fostering positive relationships with students and parents. Her empathy, professionalism, and willingness to support others have earned her the admiration of her colleagues, who often seek her for advice and inspiration. Under her guidance, students who have struggled in other settings flourish, and teachers feel empowered to achieve their best. Her consistent success is evident in her students' growth on the MAP assessment and in the thriving, collaborative culture she fosters within her school.

"As the 2023-24 school year Clark County School District Elementary Teacher of the Year award winner, Johana Quintero exemplifies our district's core values and embodies the qualities of a LifeChanger. Her dedication to her students, colleagues, and school community is unparalleled, and it is with great pride that I nominate her for this prestigious recognition," said DeVries.

Comments (31)

Leng Lara Posted 11 months ago

Johana is a kind-hearted woman who has an uplifting presence. I've known her for most of my life and have always been there for me. She is easily admirable, not only is she kind through her words but demonstrates it in her actions as well. Her energy is very contagious! You will always smile and laugh effortlessly when being around her.

Jose Sanchez Posted 11 months ago

My mom is the best and she deserves to win. She has already won teacher of the year. This is the next step. Plus did I mention her class always ends up the best out of all the kinder teachers.

Kelly Sanchez Posted 11 months ago

Johana is such a great person, she really has a lot of great qualities. She is incredibly kind, talented, a hard working mom, and won’t hesitate to help you. She treats me like family whenever I go visit her. She is someone to look up to and deserves the best. She is just such a genuine person and someone you just want to be around.

Adriana Posted 11 months ago

I consider myself lucky to have the pleasure of knowing Johana. She is a great woman, an excellent teacher and a wonderful friend who always has a warm smile for those who need it. Johana is a person with a big heart full of love, kindness and empathy towards everyone. Especially for her students, she wants to give them the tools to excel and have a wonderful future. Johana is an admirable teacher and it is a true honor to call her my friend.

Josnie Sanchez Posted 11 months ago

SHOUTOUT TO THE MOST AMAZING MOM AND TEACHER IN THE WORLD!!! I want you to know how much I appreciate you and how grateful I am to have you as my mom. The person that I am today is because of your guidance and support. I’ve been in your classroom and I can tell that teaching is what you’re passionate about, it’s what you were meant to do. You make learning so much more engaging and fun! You have amazing classroom management. Your patience and commitment to being an amazing teacher shows in everything you do. Thank you for being the perfect role model, I love you!

Valerie Araujo Posted 11 months ago

I had the privilege of working with Johana for 3 years. She is an amazing educator and person. Her love and compassion for others shines in everything she does. She truly is an inspiration to all and is deserving of every award.

Douglas Landaverde Posted 12 months ago

I had the privilege to work with Ms. Quintero for about six years during my tenure as a school psychologist at Elaine Wynn Elementary School. Ms. Quintero consistently demonstrated exceptional overall skills as an educator. She was such a committed team player during every case and collaboration. She was also compassionate, caring, and very understanding of the unique needs of her students. Additionally, she was a true inspirational advocate for Best Practices (i.e., Promoted Preventive and Positive Educational Approaches and Inclusion or the Least Restrictive Environment for every student). In sum, her students and the whole Elaine Wynn Elementary School Community are lucky to have such a remarkable human being and teacher! Indeed, very well-deserved recognition!

Samantha Villagran Posted 12 months ago

Ms Johana, your support and kindness have been constant since we met- I know my sisters would agree too! You went above and beyond for us students. I hope you know that you played a key part of my village of people who got me to where I am now. Thank you!

Michelle Quintero Posted 12 months ago

Since knowing Johana she has been very inspiring to her students. Her kind and caring nature brings so much happiness to her students. She has always been passionate about teaching and helping students I’m so grateful to call her my friend and now sister in law. She always will bring joy to her day as long as she is teaching and inspiring the youth. Her dedication has shown with all her achievements and awards especially winning teacher of the year.

Jayzle-May Daley Posted over a year ago

Ms. Quintero is a ray of sunshine in our school community! Whenever I need something from Ms. Quintero, she greets me with a smile and a positive attitude. Ms. Quintero wears a lot of hats our school, furthering her impact in our community.

Lauren Renck Posted over a year ago

I am grateful to say that I have worked with Johanna over the past four years. Her dedication, passion and love to her students, are just a few reasons why she’s so deserving of this nomination. Whether in the classroom, during meetings, or behind the scenes, Johanna consistently goes above and beyond, always striving to help everyone grow and succeed. Her willingness to support, collaborate, and encourage has made her a key part of our Kindergarten team, and I cannot think of anyone more deserving of a nomination. Johanna truly embodies the spirit of how wonderful teaching can be and I’m so lucky to have learned from her.

Monisha Patterson Posted over a year ago

Congratulations!! Ms Johana, you deserve it. Ever time I see you, you always have a smile on your face and I can tell you are an amazing teacher. I am so proud of you and keep up the good work. You are doing a fantastic job as a teacher :)

Sonia Jimenez Posted over a year ago

Congratulations Ms. Quintero! You are an incredible human, mom, teacher, leader, colleague, the list goes on! Thank you for teaching me so much and making me want to be a better teacher for my students. You have made a positive impact in in our community, I am so grateful for you.

Sabrina Moy Posted over a year ago

Mrs. Quintero has been such a pleasure to work with! She always tries to look at things in a positive light and does her best to help in any way she can. I am so grateful to be around an incredible educator and beautiful person inside and out.

Bria Posted over a year ago

Congratulations Mrs. Quintero!!!!!!!!!!!

Chani Leavitt Posted over a year ago

Johana exudes all of the attributes of an affective and impactful teacher. As the music specialist at our school, I'm always honored that I get the opportunity to teach and build relationships with her kindergarteners. I watch as her students grow each year and am constantly floored by the values and strength of character she instills in them throughout the year. Mrs. Quintero is the kind of educator that makes a tremendous impact on the lives of others and we are so lucky to work along side her and learn from her!

Melissa Tatiano Posted over a year ago

Congratulations, Johana! Your dedication and passion for making a positive impact on students' lives are truly inspiring. You go above and beyond every day to support and uplift our school community. This recognition is well-deserved, and I’m so proud to work alongside you!

Essence Jernigan Posted over a year ago

Johana is caring, kind, firm, and consistent. I have witnessed the power of her strong management skills and how her students grow tremendously with her knowledge and support. It is a joy and a pleasure to work with her.

Monica Arce Posted over a year ago

Mrs. Quintero is always willing to help others. This is my first year as a lead at our school, and she took the time to sit down with me to go over everything I needed to know and do. I can always count on her for assistance, and I know she will do so with a smile. Additionally, this year she joined the Sunshine Committee and has made a positive impact on our community.

Mr. Earl Posted over a year ago

An honor to call this amazing teacher a co-worker ?? she brings so much sunshine to our days ??

Monet McGlone Posted over a year ago

Mrs. Quintero is so kind and caring. She is an extremely dedicated and hardworking teacher. Although she teaches kindergarten, she has offered advice to all grade level teachers. I have learned management strategies from Mrs. Quintero that I use with my 5th graders each year. I appreciate her genuine energy and welcoming smile every day and love having her as a colleague.

Sydni Prince Posted over a year ago

Johana is a phenomenal colleague! She is an example in balancing having high expectations for her students while also leading with empathy and kindness. She dedicates herself to the kindergarten students in her class and is also involved with after-school programs that enhance our community. I am so lucky to have been able to work with her for the past few years!

Jordan Posted over a year ago

I have had the pleasure to watch Johana teach since 2016 and learn more from her every year. So many of the strategies I use on a daily basis are things I've learned from observing her. She is kind, positive, and shows so much love for the community she serves. She faces challenges head on and with such an incredible point-of-view. I am lucky to not only call Johana a colleague, but a friend!

Evan Phillips Posted over a year ago

Johana Quintero is an INCREDIBLE teacher which is evident the moment you walk into her room. She is always seeking ways to get her kiddos to the next level, and her classroom management, systems and routines are top notch. It is my first year teaching kindergarten and I am beyond lucky to be on her team. She is always willing to answer my questions and offers no shortage of support!

Brenda Posted over a year ago

Johana is such a kind and caring person not just to her students but to those in her life. As her younger cousin she has definitely been an inspiration to further my education. She would always help me with my homework assignments even though she herself had assignments due, juggled with being a great mom and being a working wife. I know that the same way she has been a role model to myself, she will continue to be that to her students and community.

Valerie Posted over a year ago

Mrs.Quintero is an excellent teacher, my daughter loves her and enjoys learning from her. She has been excited to go to school every day and make Mrs.Quintero and myself proud.

Cinthia Guerra Posted over a year ago

Más. Quintero es una excelente persona y esucadora, mi hija todos los día llega a casa platicando todas las cosas nuevas que aprendió. Isabela aprendió a escribir su nombre, a sumar y esta aprendiendo a restar y ella es feliz con su maestra por eso y más le doy las gracias maestra dios la bendiga siempre

Areli Lopez Posted over a year ago

Johana Quintero was one of my mentors during my student teaching. She is genuinely one of the best role models I had and I learned so much from her. Her classroom management and structure in kindergarten helped me once I started teaching. Even worked for the 4th graders I work with now. She’s beyond amazing at everything she does and I am now lucky enough to have her by my side to direct our after school tutoring program. I can always count on her.

Moni Posted over a year ago

Johana radiates kindness, and you can always catch her with a smile. She has helped me with my education career and inspires me to make a difference in the community. We are blessed to have her at our school!

Ashley gonzalez Posted over a year ago

I have taught side by side with Johana for four years and she has taught me everything I know . Watching her love and passion for students has inspired me everyday to be a better person and a better teacher. She is always willing to take the extra step to help a parent, student or colleague. She is an incredible human who has changed so many lives around her for the better

Joann Diaz Posted over a year ago

What a wonderful human! She inspires many and her love for education flourishes every year. Willingness to better her craft as an educator is truly a blessing to all around her.