La Shanda Johnson Johnson, known to many of the students and parents as Ms. JJ, teaches Special Education/Inclusion classes at Sunrise- McMillan ES. Ms. Johnson Johnson is originally from Arkansas where she joined the Army National Guard and spent two years in Fort Jackson before relocating to Texas to further her education. She has been teaching K-5 for 4 years. Prior, she spent 4 years as a Special Education Teacher's Assistant at Riverside Middle School. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in University Studies from the University of Texas in Arlington (2019) and an Associate of Science degree in Fashion Merchandising from Miss Wades College in Dallas (2006). One of her favorite aspects of her role as an Inclusion Teacher is collaborating with teachers and other supporting staff to further learning to better support our students. Currently, she is a member of the Blacks In Government Ft Worth Chapter, Akwa Ibom Assoc, National Notary Association, and National PTA of Tx. Her goal is to create academically engaging learning experiences in an environment that fosters creativity, curiosity, and kindness.

My name is Anita Smith. I was born and raised in Chicago. After graduating high school, I attended and earned my BS in Elementary Education from the world-famed Grambling State University. I then moved to Fort Worth, where I have taught various grades in Fort Worth ISD for 23 years and have been a Dyslexia teacher for the last 3 years.

Born in Fort Worth, grew up in Salt Lake City UT & Laramie WY, attended Texas Woman’s University, 3 years in education, explore new settings within my scope of practice.

Michael Khodayari (Mr. K) teaches Special Education/Inclusion classes. He holds a master’s degree in Criminal Justice from the University of Texas Arlington (2012) and a bachelor’s degree in Criminology from the University of Texas Arlington (2008). Mr. Khodayari always had a heart for children with special needs, as a student himself, he struggled socially and emotionally in school because of disability. He made a pact with himself if he ever becomes a teacher, he’d rather work with special needs students. Mr. Khodayari’s career began at Sunrise McMillan in August of 2014 and he has been here ever since. On a personal note, Mr. K likes to cook, travel, jog, and play soccer.

I’m from Fort Worth, Texas. I attended Texas Wesleyan University, I love to sing and dance, spend time with my family, 20+ years off and on in education, because I wanted to help teach those small voices to be heard and show them that one day they can be leaders.