Meet Mrs. Johnson, our Kindergarten teacher!

Mrs. Johnson - Kindergarten

What made you want to become a teacher?
I always wanted to be a teacher. I was in a youth group in high school that felt like a family and that played a role in my desire to become a teacher. I also was on a worship team in college that inspired me to want to become a teacher in Lutheran schools. 

Was there a teacher that inspired you growing up, and why? 
My experience with all my teachers influenced me to become a better and more conscientious teacher.

Is there a subject that you especially love to teach? 
I love introducing the students to force and motion as well as teaching them about subtraction. 

What did you miss the most about teaching in person during the stay-at-home order?
I missed the kids and building relationships with them. Thankfully, we didn't have to miss the beginning of the school year, so I already knew them. However, there is still so much growth that happens at the end of the year. I also missed the relationships with the families. 

What are you most looking forward to at the start of the year?
Seeing the kids and meeting the new kids! We always get new students in kindergarten so it’s exciting to meet them and get to know them. 

What is the best advice you’ve received about teaching?
Pray for your students daily. When I get to my classroom in the morning, I always take the time to pray for my students, either individually or as a group. I also pray with them during the school day, but taking the time to pray for them by myself is very important. 

What drew you to St. John’s and what has kept you here for so long? 
I am from Oregon and never thought I would end up in Chicago. When I visited St. John’s before taking the job, I loved the feeling I got from being here. After becoming a teacher here, I started attending the church and ended up meeting my husband there. We’ve been here ever since.

I’ve worked at St. John’s for 42 of the 43 years I’ve been teaching and I’ve seen a lot of changes over the years with the staff and administration. The one thing that hasn’t changed has been the family aspect of the school, especially between the teachers and the families. The families are so supportive and make the teachers feel special and encouraged.