Combining a passion for helping others with a desire to teach — Elizabeth Johnson, Wellsville Elementary’s Teacher of the Year
A lifetime of serving others helped Elizabeth Johnson develop her passion for teaching — specifically teaching those who might need just a little extra help. Johnson has been working in special education for 16 years in the Cache County School District and has been selected as Wellsville Elementary’s Teacher of the Year.
Johnson’s life as a helper started during her high school years when she worked as a peer tutor. Helping and loving her classmates inspired her to pursue special education as a career. She explained, “I felt like it was my purpose to help kids who struggle and need a little bit of extra love, compassion, and kindness.”
Principal Glen Harris described Johnson as a hardworking, dedicated, and amazing special education teacher who is a vital part of Wellsville’s school. “Her students love her for her kindness, fun personality, and understandable instruction,” Harris explained. “She has been a life-changing teacher to many of our most struggling learners.” He appreciates that Johnson is always willing to contribute ideas to teachers about intervention and assistance for their students.
If there’s anything that Johnson hopes her students take from their time in her class, it’s to recognize their value and just how capable they are of doing anything they set their mind to.
“I want students to know that they can do hard things. And I want them to remember that I was a compassionate and caring teacher who cared for them as a whole person, not just as a student,” Johnson said. “There’s nothing else that I’d rather be doing than be here helping these kids.”
Elizabeth Johnson receives her award from principal Glen Harris and board member Larry Jeppesen