Carrollton Middle School Teacher of the Year Juanito Redwine and students pose after completing a science experiment. Pictured with Mr. Redwine, in the back row from left, are CMS students Jeison Gomez-Valle, Emily Morales Calderon, Trinitee McPherson, Ansley Taylor, and Paiden Favors.
Growing up a Trojan, Juanito Redwine (CHS ‘91) recalls an environment where children were encouraged to dream and achieve, surrounded by educators and mentors who helped him excel. For 28 years, he has done the same for his own students. Named Carrollton Middle School’s Teacher of the Year, Redwine continues to make a tremendous impact on his students by upholding high expectations, challenging students to be curious, and teaching resiliency.
Unlike many educators who envisioned a career in the classroom from a young age, Redwine never imagined himself going to college, let alone becoming a teacher, until he encountered influential teachers throughout his years in Carrollton City Schools who pushed him to realize his potential. When he enrolled at the University of West Georgia, Redwine initially aimed for medical school, but his work in an after-school program made him stop and rethink his goals. After spending a semester helping a student overcome academic challenges, he realized his true calling was to teach.
Redwine completed his bachelor’s degree in middle grades education at UWG. He later returned to earn a master’s degree in secondary mathematics from Grand Canyon University and is currently finishing an educational specialist degree in secondary and middle education from Kennesaw State University. Upon graduating with his specialist, he plans to begin the doctoral program at KSU, demonstrating his commitment to learning and professional development.
Earlier in his career, Redwine heard an aphorism that has driven his teaching philosophy ever since: “An educator is only as good as his last lesson.”
By dedicating himself to continual improvement, Redwine strives to be both a better teacher and a lifelong learner. To him, no lesson is ever “good enough” because there is always room to refine it and help students understand the material more effectively. Building relationships with his students allows him to tailor his approach to match how they learn best. At his alma mater, he shares this mindset with his classes, guiding them through the inquiry process to analyze problems and discover solutions.
Together, they work to reflect, adapt, and innovate, always raising the bar.
“My standard of excellence won’t let me rest on my laurels. When students enter my classroom, they know that they are going to be challenged. They know that they are valued and that together we can exceed all expectations,” Redwine said. “I make sure that my students see the excellence that I try to exude each day, and that it inspires them to be great too.”
Despite receiving impressive accolades, such as being named a Don Cargill STEM Scholar, Redwine considers his greatest accomplishment to be shaping young minds and sending them into the world with the confidence that he believes in them and will always be proud of them.
Dr. Eric Simmons, who served as Redwine’s principal for the last few years, reflected on Redwine’s impact on his students and the school as a whole.
“Juanito Redwine represents the qualities most highly regarded in an educator. He provides intentional learning opportunities, dedicated mentorship, and consistent involvement in the Carrollton City Schools community,” Simmons said. “Mr. Redwine embraces the responsibility of educating the whole child while serving learners of all backgrounds. He is a foundational piece of the positive culture established at Carrollton Middle School.”
Redwine’s impact on his students and other faculty members led to his selection as Carrollton Middle School Teacher of the Year for the 2026-2027 school year. Redwine and other Teacher of the Year recipients, Dr. Mandy Duffey, Carrollton Elementary School; Karee Payne, Carrollton Upper Elementary School; and Morganne Harper, Carrollton High School, will be considered for the district honor to be announced at the district’s system kickoff on July 29.
