Congratulations to Mary Johnson, Educator of the Month from San Joaquin County Office of Education County Operated Schools and Programs! Mary has served students in SJCOE Alternative Education programs for 19 years and is currently on her fourth year teaching at our one.John F. Cruikshank site. Here's what Mary has to say about her experience as an educator:
Why did you choose a career in education? As far back as I can remember, I have wanted to teach math. When I was in 1st grade I used to put my stuffed animals in a semi-circle and teach them how to add and subtract. Education was just the dream job I always desired.
What do you love about teaching? I love when I have a student who was having difficulty finally gets it. I love the look of excitement. I enjoy seeing how happy they are and how they now want to share that knowledge.
What is the best thing that has happened in your classroom in the past month? I was able to accompany several of my students on a field trip. We went to an escape room. A lot of the puzzles and clues were mathematical. As the students worked on the puzzles they were very excited because they recognized concepts they were taught in class. It was exciting to watch them struggling with the math puzzles, but also watching them persevere and answer the puzzles.
What are your students most surprised to learn about you? They are usually surprised to learn that I scuba dive, backpack, commercial fish during the summer, raise and butcher my own food, own and fly my own plane and live on an airport.
Who was your favorite teacher as a child? Why? Mr. Carlmark, 6th grade, my first year in Junior High. I liked him because he seemed to care about what I was doing and how I felt. He took the time to listen to me. He helped me with any school work I was having trouble with and didn't make me feel stupid. Ultimately, he was the reason I decided to become a teacher. I wanted to be the same kind of teacher he was; caring, helpful, knowledgeable, funny, and dedicated.