WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — The Dreyfoos School of the Arts community is mourning the passing of longtime English teacher Geoff Johnston, a beloved educator who dedicated more than three decades to inspiring students through literature, critical thinking, and heartfelt mentorship.
Mr. Johnston passed away recently, just one year into his retirement, after 33 years of shaping young minds and nurturing a deep love of learning at the prestigious arts magnet school.
His death has left an indelible mark on generations of alumni, current faculty, and students whose lives he profoundly influenced.
“We are deeply saddened to share that longtime English teacher Geoff Johnston has passed away,” the Dreyfoos School of the Arts Alumni Association wrote in a statement. “For 33 years, Mr. Johnston inspired generations of students with his love of literature, meaningful conversations, and unwavering dedication to teaching.”
Colleagues recall Mr. Johnston not only as a brilliant educator but as a man of deep compassion, wit, and wisdom. His classroom was a space where students were encouraged to think critically, speak openly, and discover their own voices—lessons that extended far beyond the written word.
“Many of our current staff were once his students,” the school noted, “a powerful reflection of his impact.”
Mr. Johnston’s retirement last year marked the close of a remarkable chapter in a career defined by heart, integrity, and quiet excellence. Though he stepped away from the classroom, his legacy continued through the many who followed in his footsteps—as educators, writers, thinkers, and changemakers.
His presence on campus will be deeply missed, not only in the English department, but in the halls, faculty meetings, and lives of all who had the privilege to know him.
Funeral arrangements have not yet been announced.
As the Dreyfoos community grieves, they also celebrate a life well-lived—one that forever changed the landscape of the school and the lives within it.
Rest in peace, Mr. Johnston. Your story lives on in the thousands of others you helped write.
