Meet Valerie D. Johnson | Author & Retired Educator

We had the good fortune of connecting with Valerie D. Johnson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Valerie D., what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I love math! I want kids to love all things math. My purpose is to inspire, teach, and empower future generations. During my time as a classroom teacher, I noticed that students often exhibited math anxiety or expressed how much they disliked math. Children who struggle with or dislike math often do so because they haven’t mastered the basics, are influenced by the negative attitudes of others, don’t see its relevance outside of school, etc. But, books that have pictures and infographics, promote discussions, and make real-world connections help to ensure all children can learn, understand, and love math. So, I was inspired to write math-themed children’s books to make math accessible, engaging, and connected to the real world.

Now, I’m using my amazing teacher (and facilitator) skills to leap out on faith and expand my impact beyond the classroom. I retired from teaching, wrote a story, started a business, and published a children’s book. I started my own publishing imprint, West Oak Lane Kids, to leave a legacy and something tangible for generations of young readers to cherish—math-themed books. There’s just something magical about publishing a book, and turning your thoughts, words, and designs into real, physical books to inspire and empower all kids.

I was excited to release my debut book on August 30, 2022. 1 2 3 Count with Me on Granddad’s Farm is a heartwarming, fun and visually engaging counting journey from 1 to 10. Young readers will count from 1 to 10 and back again as they learn about farm life, farm animals, and family! I also just released a kid’s write and draw journal, Write and Illustrate Your Own Book: You’re the Author Journal for Kids, that guides young readers and writers step-by-step to draw, write, and create their own storybook.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Do “it” scared! The biggest lessons I’ve learned on my entrepreneurial journey are to ask others for help, self-publishing isn’t easy, and do “it” even if I’m nervous and scared! There are many twists, turns, and bumps in the entrepreneurial road but my desire to impact children—and ignite a love for math, one book at a time—is greater than my thoughts of giving up.

I’m passionate about helping to ensure young mathematicians understand math, love it, and thrive in the real world. What sets my imprint apart from others is that I have over 30 years of experience in education, I’ve taught students grades K-6, and I’m an educational leader who has designed and facilitated workshops for teachers and parents. WOL Kids publishes high-quality picture books to ignite a love of math in all children. Our readers will discover, be inspired, learn, and thrive—one book at a time.

My stories are engaging and heartwarming, and my characters are memorable and authentic. I write because I want to help build math confidence in all children and eradicate math anxiety, so I’m on a mission to ignite a love of math in all children.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
The DMV is an exciting place to visit! There are many places to experience the sights, sounds, and cuisine in the DC-Maryland-Virginia area. You can go to the zoo, a museum, the theater, etc. If my best friend was visiting the area, I would show them the best time ever by visiting museums on the National Mall, going to Maryland to listen to live music, and eating at some of the best restaurants in the DMV area.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
It takes a village! There are many people who have helped to shape me as an author, educator, and human. But, I want to give the biggest shoutout to my mother, Dr. Mildred F. Johnson, the first educator (professor) and mentor that I knew. College campuses, non-profit organizations, and community events were where I spent my childhood. As a child, I rode around with my mother to meetings, attended classes she taught on campus, volunteered at community events, and worked in her office at a non-profit. I was taught hard work, perseverance, and service to others at a very early age.

Another person who deserves some credit is my cooperating teacher, Linda Richmond, who welcomed me into her classroom (during my student teaching experience) over 30 years ago and created a safe space for learning to flourish, engaging dialogue for reflective practice, and providing suggestions and advice about what works in classrooms. Also, I was inspired by my aunt and NASA mathematician, Katherine Johnson, who was a human computer and trailblazer who shared her love for math with me. Finally, I’ve received a lot of encouragement, advice, and support from other authors I’ve met virtually and in person who have helped me learn, grow, and thrive as an author.

Website: https://www.westoaklanekids.com/

Instagram: https://instagram.com/wolkidsllc

Twitter: https://twitter.com/WolKidsllc

Youtube: Book Trailer: https://youtu.be/rRAwh8IJ9Yw

Other: https://www.amazon.com/author/valeriedjohnson

Image Credits
Lisa Damico Portraits Valerie D. Johnson