Since her start in the education world 42 years ago, Joan Johnson has taught all subjects, with her first 10 years in public schools, and the last 32 at Sutton Christian School—currently teaching fifth and sixth graders, as well as PE.
In a nomination letter submitted by Katie VanderLey it states, “She has tirelessly given of time, energy, and grace to the school and her students. She came out of retirement last year to fill a void. She’s truly teaching future leaders and impacting these young lives. She was a champion for the expansion of the new gym and classrooms, and thinks outside the box for creative outlets, but has an educational standard that is high. It’s exciting to watch her students grow under her teaching.”
Teaching at a Christian school, Johnson said, has allowed her to integrate faith and learning, helping her students grow not just academically, but also spiritually.
“I am not just teaching facts or skills, but shaping character, values, and worldviews.”
Her start into the education world as a teacher first began with a strong influence from her aunts who were educators, and her journey as a whole has been influenced by the many colleagues along the way who shared their gifts with her; and the faithful teachers at Sutton Christian who continue to help her deepen her faith in God and encourage her to rely on God daily.
Additionally, Johnson also mentioned the students she’s been blessed to teach, who have taught her more than she can put into words.
“They are the reason I press on as an educator,” she said.
For her students, Johnson shared some wisdom: “I would tell my students to press on at whatever is planned in their life and to remember it is not the perfection of their life but the direction.”
Fun Fact
What would students be surprised to find out about you?
I started teaching at (Class 1 school)
Ong, then Sandy
Creek and Harvard before Sutton Christian.
