Kevin Johnson recorded an astounding 6,518 assists during his eleven-plus seasons with the Suns, and almost ten years since he last took the floor, and in the midst of a race to become the mayor of Sacramento, he?s still helping out in Phoenix.

On Tuesday, Johnson helped kick off Phoenix Teaching Fellows Week, a series of events promoting Phoenix Teaching Fellows, an initiative of Phoenix Elementary and Murphy Elementary School Districts.

Even with a rather important election day less than two months away, Johnson attended an after-school event to kick off the program, staying after to speak with middle school students that benefit from the Phoenix Teaching Fellows.

?Teachers are our children?s true heroes ? more than any sports star they may see on television.  High quality teachers in Phoenix make all the difference with regards to student achievement, and I am happy to support this program as it helps to fill this critical need for a city I know and love,? Johnson said in a recent press release.

The program, something cities all over the country would undoubtedly benefit from, selects upstanding members of the community that teach math, science, special education, language arts and elementary education to help kids in Phoenix reach their potential.

The hope is that these students will perform well academically, strengthening the community while developing into the future leaders of the city and its surrounding areas.

?This is a unique opportunity for our community?s most talented and dedicated citizens to become heroes for countless Phoenix students. Teaching Fellows will have a lasting impact on student achievement and make a difference in the schools that most need them. Join us in renewing our public schools by bringing your talent to our classrooms. I encourage Valley of the Sun residents to visit www.PhoenixTeachingFellows.org to learn more about this program, to refer talented friends and colleagues to apply, and to consider applying themselves,? Johnson added.

In addition to helping sculpt the city?s future, the belief is that the program will also form a group of capable leaders that will improve the quality of the school system in the short term.

As terrific a player and as charitable a person as Kevin Johnson has been over the last fifteen years, he can?t reach all the goals Phoenix Teaching Fellows hopes to accomplish in the near future.

The Fellows will begin accepting applications on Sept. 15, which means that you can become a part of the program in the very near future. In fact, you don?t have to live in the Phoenix area to help with the campaign. They recruit all over the country, allowing people from all regions to better numerous communities.

If accepted, members will receive intensive, hands-on training and attend an award-winning Masters of Education and certification program through College of Teacher Education and Leadership at Arizona State University-Downtown.

Johnson isn?t the only prominent figure in the community that is calling on citizens to help give back to their younger neighbors.

?The placement of one quality teacher can impact the lives of hundreds of children. This program will help us reduce the achievement gap and increase student achievement across the board,? Phoenix mayor Phil Gordon told East Valley Living in April. ?The residents of Phoenix are dedicated to making a positive difference on our children, and I know Phoenix Teaching Fellows will provide an innovative route to the classroom for these motivated individuals.?

Johnson is committed to reducing crime, fixing the schools, and bringing economic growth to Sacramento.

The Teaching Fellows could have an equally profound impact on Phoenix, helping minimize crime and kick-start the economy when students begin to take an active role in the community as they get older and finish their schooling.

That idea is something that has residents of the Valley of the Sun excited and could help convince the city of Sacramento that Johnson is the right guy to bring about change and prosperity in their community, as well.


Andrew Perna is a Senior Writer for RealGM. If you?d like to contact him, please send an e-mail to [email protected].