NATCHEZ &045;&045; Joyce Johnson has a sister, three aunts and several cousins who have chosen to commit their lives to the education of children.

And it is no surprise that Johnson chose the same path.

&uot;I am in education because I love children,&uot; Johnson said. &uot;If there is something I can do to help a child, I will do it.&uot;

A Natchez native and 39-year veteran educator, Johnson has spent her entire career in the Natchez-Adams School District.

&uot;I would not have been in this profession as long as I have if I didn’t love it,&uot; Johnson said.

Throughout her almost 40-year career, she has worn the hats of classroom teacher, assistant principal, principal, and administrative assistant to the superintendent.

Her most recent position has been that of director of curriculum and instruction for the district.

But Monday, Johnson put on a hat she has never before worn&045;&045;assistant superintendent of the district.

She was offered the interim position following the resignation of the district’s former superintendent, Dr. Carl E. Davis.

&uot;I am glad to have been offered the position,&uot; Johnson said. &uot;It is an opportunity for continued personal growth and development.&uot;

While serving as interim superintendent, Johnson will continue to work as the district’s director of curriculum and instruction.

&uot;When I accepted the position, my responsibilities grew to include involvement with the daily operations of the district,&uot; Johnson said.

But despite her new administrative role, Johnson said she plans to stay involved with the district’s students through regular campus visits.

&uot;As a teacher, your heart is always in the classroom,&uot; Johnson said. &uot;Regardless of how busy the next few months are for me, I will find time to visit the children.&uot;

Another thing that will not change about Johnson is her purpose as an educator.

&uot;As always, my goal is the education of our children,&uot; Johnson said. &uot;I will continue to work with the belief that all children can and will learn in their own way and at their own pace.&uot;