When walking around the halls with Larry Johnson, you quickly become surrounded by student smiles and their ongoing requests for pictures. His happiness is contagious after all, and whether it’s a lunch room chat, a classroom interview, or a quick hello in the parking lot, somehow, he always knows how to make your day just a little bit brighter.
That’s the description heard time and time again, when speaking to the staff at Carver and East High about Mr. Johnson. This Waterloo alumnus has found his calling here at Waterloo Schools, but a few years ago, he might have never guessed his calling would be so close to home.
During his time at East High School, Johnson was one of the school’s star student athletes. Often seen as a kind-hearted leader, he was awarded the Sports Leadership Award all four years of high school, in addition to two Student of the Month awards, and the coveted East High Heart Award. Throughout his years at East, Johnson was a multi-varsity athlete, shining both in football during the fall and in track & field throughout the spring.
After graduation, he felt somewhat lost, and after a short while playing at Iowa Central College, he came home to Waterloo where he had his first son. At the time, it seemed logical to continue taking classes at Hawkeye Community College, and there he focused on Sports Science. After transitioning away from classwork, Johnson found himself working as a valet at Allen Hospital. He enjoyed interacting with people as they received care, and one of his co-workers noted how much heart he has for working with others.
That bit of encouragement sparked an idea, reminding him of a place where he’d always loved to light up those around him: East High School. Sure enough, the Junior Trojans were in need of a coach, and Johnson was just the person to help them climb to the top. Nothing made him happier than coaching future Trojans and seeing them grow both on and off the field. Eventually, Johnson landed a staff position as a paraeducator with East High as well, working with students in the classroom. According to Johnson, it felt like he’d found his calling.
His former teachers and co-workers took notice, and enjoyed seeing all the positivity Johnson brought to East. According to Christopher Tims, East High teacher, Johnson is a go-getter who leads by example in whatever he expects out of his students. “I always appreciate his positive energy,” said Tims. “You can’t help but be happy when he’s around.”
His positive attitude was contagious, and soon George Washington Carver Academy wanted to share some of that positivity with their students as well. In the fall of 2022, Johnson accepted the position of behavior specialist alongside new principal, Joshua Payton.
Payton had seen firsthand the impact Johnson has on his students at East, and was excited to work alongside him again. “Larry is an amazing, caring, and positive educator who continually works to build positive relationships with the students and staff at George Washington Carver Academy,” said Payton. “Through his million-dollar smile and tenacity, he sees the best in everyone. Larry is an amazing asset to our community.”
As a behavior specialist, Johnson gets to work with students one-on-one to help support them and their growth within the building. “I love helping kids integrate who they feel like they have to be and who they actually are,” said Johnson. As he often tells his students, “Progress is progress when you’re in the process.” Waterloo Schools is thankful that his process led him here.
