Jonathan Grant teacher praised for mentorship beyond food and nutrition class

A Jonathan Grant High School teacher from Spanish Town is drawing attention after a viral social media video highlighted the close bond he has built with students in and beyond his food and nutrition classroom.

Sanjay Stevenson appeared with students Kimon Henry and Kyle Davis, who both spoke about the support they receive from him. Stevenson described his approach as unusual, saying he gives personally to his students, brings real-life experiences into lessons and tries to make the classroom enjoyable.

He said that outlook was shaped by one of his own high school teachers, Mrs Johnson Scarlet, whom he remembered as selfless and encouraging. Stevenson said he also allows students to use his phone to record themselves, provided the videos are appropriate.

Henry said Stevenson relates to students at their level and takes time to understand their backgrounds, not only their schoolwork. Davis became emotional while explaining that Stevenson feels like a father figure to him, saying his own father is not currently present in his life.

Stevenson said seeing that affection from students moved him, especially because he can be strict with them. He said he tries to respond to different needs by assessing students' learning styles and adjusting how he teaches. Jonathan Grant is co-educational, and Stevenson said he also teaches female students.

The students said food and nutrition is important to them, though professional football remains a major ambition. They described the subject as a possible second option, including the idea of working in or owning a restaurant if football does not work out.

Asked to speak directly to young people, Stevenson encouraged students to keep striving. "You can be anything you want to be," he said. He added that he believes he was destined to teach and has no regrets about entering the profession.

Other Jonathan Grant students, identified as Alexander and Joel, also joined Stevenson during the segment.