St. Joseph Teacher of the Year

NAME: Shannon Johnson
SCHOOL: St, Joseph Catholic School, Muskogee
GRADE: First
LENGTH OF SERIVCE: 33 years (2 at St. Joseph) 

Why is teaching important to you?

I remember how special I felt when a teacher worked with me (tenaciously) until I understood and the “light bulb” came on. She rejoiced with me and it made me feel so good. I wanted to bring that enthusiasm to students.

What is your favorite memory of being a teacher?

Watching students have that “a-ha”! moment. It never gets old.

How do you encourage parents to support their children in education?

I just reassure them that THEY are their child’s first teacher. They will continue to teach, although not in a formal setting. The best thing they can do is support what is happening in the classroom at home. Read with their child daily. Children have to hear that spoken language and literature everyday to be successful readers.

What are some of your favorite school traditions?

I teach several concepts through units. My favorite are Apples/Johnny Appleseed and Butterflies. Not only do those kick off and end the year, but they are so rich in material. I never tire of them.

What is your favorite book to either read or assign to students?

I begin each year with Caps for Sale. It’s not a story they usually hear very often. When I read, I do voices. They kids always laugh when I call out “Caps, caps for sale, 50 cents a cap!”. Then, when they are looking at the book in the reading center, I’ll hear them calling out that line in a “voice” like mine. I get a kick out of it.

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