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Ferguson-Florissant Names RaShawn Johnson the 2012 Teacher of the Year
RaShawn Johnson, a reading teacher at Berkeley Middle School, is the Ferguson-Florissant School District’s Teacher of the Year.
A small cadre of administrators gathered together this afternoon to make the announcement and the teacher’s day. Her principal, Steve Lawler, was key to the surprise.
“Mrs. Johnson,” Lawler announced from the hallway, just cracking the door to her room, “Can you come outside for a moment? I need to talk to you about something.”
She walked outside and into an ambush.
“Mrs. Johnson, you are the district’s Teacher of the Year,” Supt. Art McCoy, , announced with a wide smile. “I want you to stay encouraged and know that you are one of our best and brightest.”
He went on to admire how she connects with her seventh- and eighth-grade students. “You teach some of the most exciting lessons that I have ever seen in the district,” McCoy said. “It’s good to see our students know so much about depth of knowledge.”
Hearing that, this teacher – who has a love for reading and writing – was at a loss for words.
All that surfaced in the excitement was, “Thank you.” Followed by, “Thank you again.”
“I’m in shock,” exclaimed Johnson! “I can’t teach for the rest of the day.”
Principal Steve Lawler said the accolade is well deserved. “She is obviously a wonderful teacher,” Lawler said. “The thing that is most telling is the positive attitude she shows everyone and especially the kids. She helps them develop self-esteem and confidence. She is both creative and dynamic.”
Johnson has taught in the district six years but has 13 years of experience as an educator. She has also taught in the Normandy School District.
Her love for children and education started at home. “My family has a legacy of educators on my father’s side, so it was fitting that I would follow in their footsteps,” she said. Johnson is notorious for wearing costumes and creating murals, posters and games to engage her students.
She earned a bachelor’s degree in elementary education at Fontbonne University and master’s degree in education curriculum and instruction at National Louis University.
