If you’re lucky enough to be in Angela Johnson’s first hour chemistry class, you are greeted by a smile and a heartfelt “Good morning, how are you doing?” everyday. What makes a teacher truly unforgettable? For students in Johnson’s class, it’s beyond a grade or lesson.
Johnson has been teaching in the Superior School District since 2001, spending more than 20 years inspiring students through her love and passion for science.
“My philosophy as a teacher has changed. I want to give you all a hands-on experience, and show you how easy it is to fall in love with science, because that’s something that I’ve always been intrigued by,” Johnson said.
Johnson has that special touch on students that makes them feel cared for, and over the years she’s learned what she can do to make students feel more comfortable in her classroom.
“It can be difficult to fully express how impactful a teacher can be, especially when you experience genuine care and support from them. For me, that teacher is Mrs. Johnson. No matter the time or place, she always carries a smile and brings a sense of warmth and positivity. She is not only an incredible educator, but also someone I will always be grateful for,” said student Halle Visger.
Johnson has implemented a simple but meaningful step in her teaching, as small as giving each of the students a mint and asking how they feel, if they are ready, or if they need clarification on anything before a big test. Along with this, she prepares us to the best of her ability by taking time to make us study sheets that she sets out on the lab stations the day before an exam.
“Something easy that I’ve done for years is the mints that I give you when we take tests, just letting them know I want them to feel comfortable when they’re taking a test,” said Johnson.
As we look up to Johnson as a role model, someone we can go to, and trust, she shared that when she was in high school she had her own Mrs. Johnson. Mrs. Towns was Johnson’s English teacher, and someone who she had a strong connection with.
“I loved her passion for English. She always thought I was going to be an English teacher, so when I got to come back and teach down the hall from her, she said “really? Science?” But science has always had my heart. It was just her connection, I still will see her in the halls and we catch up about things,” Johnson said.
The most influential people aren’t always the loudest, they’re the ones who show up everyday for the people around them and make a difference.
