# About the Author

My name is Johanna Outlaw, and I am an educator, instructional leader, entrepreneur, and storyteller with a passion for helping others learn, grow, and succeed. Throughout my career, I have worked in education, project management, leadership, and community engagement, but some of my most meaningful experiences have come from serving students in the Wake County Public School System (WCPSS).

Between August 2024 and October 2024, and again from March 2025 through August 2025, I worked as a substitute teacher in one of the nation's largest school districts. During that time, I taught in elementary, middle, and high school classrooms, though my heart quickly found a home in middle school. What began as a temporary opportunity evolved into a transformative experience that allowed me to witness education from a unique perspective.

As a substitute teacher, I stepped into dozens of classrooms, met hundreds of students, and experienced the daily realities of modern public education. I learned that substitute teaching is far more than following lesson plans and taking attendance. It requires adaptability, patience, humor, empathy, and the ability to build trust with students in a matter of minutes. Along the way, I became known for my signature message to students: "Be kind and make good decisions."

The stories shared in this book are inspired by the daily chronicles I began writing after school each day. What started as lighthearted social media posts documenting classroom adventures quickly resonated with educators, parents, and friends who found themselves laughing, reflecting, and connecting with the realities of school life. Through these stories, I discovered that people were eager to hear an honest, humorous, and heartfelt account of what happens inside today's classrooms.

In addition to my work in education, I am a digital creator, business owner, mentor, and advocate for lifelong learning. I hold degrees in science and business-related disciplines and have spent much of my professional life helping organizations, teams, and individuals achieve meaningful goals. My experiences across education, corporate leadership, entrepreneurship, and community service have shaped my belief that every person has a story worth telling and every student deserves to be seen, heard, and encouraged.

The Daily Chronicles of Being a WCPSS Substitute Teacher combines humor, inspiration, and authentic storytelling to provide readers with a front-row seat to the joys, challenges, and unforgettable moments of life inside America's public schools. My hope is that readers will laugh, reflect, gain a deeper appreciation for educators, and remember the importance of kindness, connection, and showing up for others.

When I'm not writing, teaching, or creating content, I enjoy reading, traveling, supporting educational initiatives, cheering on Tennessee State University, mentoring students, and spending time with family and friends. I live in North Carolina and continue to advocate for education, leadership, and opportunities that empower the next generation.