When the Central Georgia Technical College (CGTC) Adult Education Division assigned Jeremiah Johnson duties as Accelerating Opportunity (AO) coordinator, it challenged him to oversee the progression of adult students from GED® to credit instruction quickly and effectively. Now, having been selected the 2019 Adult Education Instructor of the Year, he is proving, yet again, that he can persevere.

“Something that I always try to relate to my students is that the struggle they are going through is also my own,” he said. “As a GED® graduate myself, I can tell them with sincerity that perseverance pays off, and I will be with them until they realize they don't need me in order to succeed.”

Johnson came to Middle Georgia Technical College (MGTC) as an adjunct English instructor in 2010, prior to its merger with CGTC in 2013. He graduated with a dual bachelor’s degree from the University of Georgia in 20008 and a master’s of science degree in Education from Georgia Southern in 2013.

His new role as AO coordinator presents one of the College’s unique challenges. Adult Education students largely arrive back into an academic setting after years removed. Accelerating Opportunity is designed to provide students with a fast-paced learning experience that combines GED® test preparation and courses to attain a Technical Certificate of Credit (TCC) within one/two semesters. It is pace, which often presents the steepest hurdle for students.

“Developing and implementing the new AO program has taken the load and the pressure off of the students and made CGTC work to their strengths and needs rather than to set lofty and immediate expectations of the students,” Johnson said. “The expectations can be crippling to some individuals when their everyday lives and personal obstacles are not taken into account.”

Dorothy Ferguson, director of operations for the Division, said Johnson has dedicated many successful years to students.

“Jeremiah’s loyalty and passion for what he does on a daily basis radiate through the students’ success,” she said. “He is an exceptional instructor who changes the lives of the students he serves.”

Johnson is happily married to his wife, Brittany, and has two children, Julian and Athena. On a good afternoon, he can be spotted on the golf course, at home gardening, sharp shooting or songwriting.

On any other day around campus, he can be found doing what he said is what his nominating peers saw in him.

“I think my peers see me as an honest person who isn't here to promote himself,” he said. “I think that leadership sees me as a coordinator and instructor who does a good job without making a lot of noise.”