Educator Awards Spotlight: Linda Johnson
Linda Johnson is the ESD 123 Regional Teacher of the Year and is the ECEAP Teacher at The Early Learning Center in Richland School District
We’re sharing the wisdom of our incredible regional and state Teachers and Classified School Employees of the Year, in their own words. Find more on our Spotlight page.
What advice would you give someone who is just beginning their career in education?
Welcome to our most rewarding profession! You are in a position to impact the lives of hundreds of students and families throughout your career. The students and families who enter your classroom are unique and will need your support in diverse ways. Invest time in getting to know each person. Build relationships of trust, respect, and communication as your school year begins. This will allow you to work together as a team, making the greatest difference by the year’s end. If you need support, reach out to your team/mentor. There’s nothing like a group of teachers to lift you up!
What one change in education are you most excited for when we reach our post-COVID reality?
I will be most grateful to no longer worry about proximity regulations in the classroom. Younger students naturally come quite close to read a book, ask for help on a project, or share something that is important to them. It is an intrinsic desire they have for “nearness” — which reinforces the connections and relationships they are building with those they trust. Educators, resourceful as always, rose to the occasion and found many inspiring ways to continue to build and encourage those relationships, even with the proximity guidelines in place. I’m so proud of the adaptability of our profession.
What is one local, state, or national education issue that you think more people should be thinking/talking about?
We need to be advocating for free access to quality, researched-based early education programs for all students in Washington State — offering ECEAP models to support families at-risk and in need. This doesn’t begin and end with placing a student in several hours of preschool a day. It involves helping families meet their basic needs, develop plans for their futures, and ensuring our students and their families are physically and emotionally safe. Parents have the opportunity to engage in education in three ways: participation in the education of their children, attending parenting workshops, and planning their own continuing educational needs.
When did you decide to work in education and what sustains you professionally?
Education became my calling in fifth grade. I was blessed with wonderful teachers, but Mrs. Jenifer Haler INSPIRED me. She took the time to develop a connection with me — an awkward 11-year-old with braces and glasses. She nurtured an intelligence I hadn’t seen in myself and changed my perspective of school. That set the stage for the rest of my life. I strive to be “that person” for as many other people as possible. Developing those connections with my students and families every day sustains me — along with the support of the amazing people with whom I work.
What do you wish more people knew about your job?
With 29 years of experience, my current position is the hardest position that I’ve ever had. Our program is known to be highly regulated, subject to many different rating/assessment scales, guided by a multitude of standards from OSPI and Washington State DCYF, and teachers are required to maintain certificates in multiple areas. When you start this job, it’s overwhelming despite the amazing support you receive. What I wish people knew is that it quickly became the most rewarding position of my career and I’ll never leave. If they joined our team, they’d probably love it as much as I do.
Learn more about the Teacher and Classified School Employees of the Year on the Educator Awards website.
