Brief profiles of Presidents
Meet your 59th President - LEIGHTON RAY ANTHONY JOHNSON, JP
He has worked in the field of education for over two decades, showcasing exceptional qualities as an educator and a strong commitment to nurturing young minds for the future. His journey from an inspiring teacher to a visionary principal and ultimately becoming the 59th President of the Jamaica Teachers' Association exemplifies the powerful combination of passion, hard work, and unwavering faith in the transformative power of education.
Mr. Johnson is the Principal of Muschett High in Trelawny. His educational journey included completing his Caribbean Examination Council Certificate at DeCarteret College and obtaining his A ’Level Certificate from Knox College. As he progressed, it became evident that his true calling was in the field of education. He enrolled at Church Teachers' College, earning a Diploma in Secondary Education. Fueling his passion for continuous learning, Johnson pursued higher education and obtained both a master’s degree and a bachelor’s degree (Hons.) in Educational Administration from the University of the West Indies, Mona.
Meet Your President Elect – MR. MARK SMITH
Mark Smith is Principal of Munro College. He comes to the post of President (Elect) of the Jamaica Teachers Association (JTA)as one fully qualified to give the level of support needed by the President.
He has served as an Education officer, as Lead Inspector with the National Education Inspectorate (NEI), and as a lecturer/facilitator with the National College for Educational Leadership (NCEL). He also worked at the National Council on Education.
Over much of his two decades in education, Mr. Smith has served the JTA in various capacities, at both the national and parish level to include as Chairman of the Properties and Business Services Committee as well as a member of other committees including Finance, Professional Advancement, and Teacher Welfare and the Secondary Committee and most recent of which was as Parish President for St Elizabeth (2022-23).
Meet Your Immediate Past President – MRS. LASONJA HARRISON
Mrs. LaSonja Fiona Terwissen Harrison, was the 58th President of the Jamaica Teachers’ Association, 2022- 2023 She is the (12th) twelfth female to have ascended to that prestigious position in the 59-year history of this August body.
She will be remembered as the President who fought for “a livable wage for the nations teachers” following the government’s implementation of the Compensation Review.
The nature of her Presidential mandate was people-centred, in its overall thrust towards membership education,
During her tenure, her many speeches, particularly those articulating the need for a Jamaican Philosophy of Education was purpose driven in nature and anchored in Judeo Christian principles.
Harrison, now Principal of St. Faith’s Primary School, was knowledgeable and a well-read classroom teacher of History and Religious Education to have transitioned to the position of the 58th President of the Jamaica Teachers’ Association. Having completed her year as President, Mrs Harrison is now supporting the current President as his IPP.