Lisa Johnson

Background

About Lisa Johnson

I am a teacher. And I believe everyone has something of value to contribute to this world. It is my passion to discover the spark in each of my students - to help bring it out, cultivate it, name it, and teach them to make it an integral part of their identity. And then to look for and value the spark they find in others. As a classroom leader and coach, building trusting relationships is foundational. I am very intentional about this and absolutely love witnessing my “tweens” blossom in the safe, encouraging environment that we create together inside (and outside) of the classroom. As they discover their world with newly acquired critical and complex thinking skills, middle schoolers love to form and voice their own opinions and perspectives. They are eager to decide what they stand for. Being surrounded daily by people who are straddling childhood and their teenaged years keeps me grounded in what is important in this life. I feel privileged to be a part of their self-discovery and their continuing self-creation during this time in their lives. Along with completing a fifth year teacher education program, I have a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a master’s degree in "K-8 Inquiry-Based Science Education". Although I enjoy science, inquiry is my approach in all areas of education. I love teaching my students to think for themselves. Because I have an affinity for reading, math, and science - as well as social issues and complex, historical events - integrating academic subjects comes naturally to me. I believe it is important for students to experience the world and the problems that need to be solved as authentically as possible. The best way to do this is with a constructivist approach to learning - where we start with a need-to-know and end up eager to learn “skills” and “knowledge” in order to solve real problems. As Nelson Mandela said,"Education is the most powerful weapon you can use to change the world.” I know my students will do just that.