Popular MLK-8 Math teacher retires

Education By Linda Trischitta, Editor Monday, December 20, 2021

     Janet Marie Johns DiDonna was so passionate about teaching mathematics to her students at Miami Lakes K-8 Center that they described her as “funny,” able to make “clear explanations” and “patient” and “positive,” too.

     So said the proclamation from Miami Lakes Mayor Manny Cid that celebrated DiDonna’s 30-year teaching career.

     “Mrs. DiDonna exemplifies what the Town of Miami Lakes is and represents,” Assistant Principal Veronika Sasturrias said in an email.

     “The Miami Lakes K-8 Center community will greatly miss her and wish her well in this new chapter of her life,” Sasturrias said. 

     DiDonna grew up in Miami Lakes, a daughter of Robert and Martha Bernice  Johns.

      She attended Miami Lakes Elementary School, where she returned to teach, as well as Miami Lakes Junior High, Hialeah-Miami Lakes Senior High School and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education from Florida International University, the proclamation said.

     She married Louie DiDonna and has two sons, Christopher and Robert.

      Before beginning her teaching career in her hometown in 2001, DiDonna took a brief detour to work at a school in Boca Raton.

     A teacher of other teachers, DiDonna also led students to awards in a Stock Market Challenge.

     She was also a band mom, church youth group volunteer and Bible study leader with her husband, the proclamation said.