Teacher of the Month
The Alabama Public Television Excellence in Education Award is a monthly recognition program for kindergarten through 12th Grade educators across the state of Alabama.
Every few years, Jodi Johnson changes things up.
She's taught all ages from Kindergarten to 6th grade during her 19-year career. Now at Blount County Learning Center, she's teaching 9th and 10th grade special needs students. The challenge of learning what works for each grade level keeps her motivated.
While she wanted to be an actress when she was young, Jodi leverages her charisma and love of learning to connect with her students. Like a performer, she finds what works for her audience and tailors her lessons to best suit the child.
“Growing up, my sister and I always saw kids that hugged my mom and told her how much she meant to them,” Jodi’s children wrote in their nomination. “No matter where we went she was always being stopped and told how she was their favorite. But what my sister and I remember is how she always knew the kid no matter how much time had [gone] by."
Read our Q&A with Jodi Johnson, and learn more about what her career has taught her so far.
What’s a common misconception about your job?
That we sit behind a desk all day. I RARELY sit, ever.
What part of your job do you wish you’d known earlier?
Two things can be true at once. You can love your job but still understand how difficult and exhausting it can be, and it is ok to feel both.
What is your approach to teaching students?
All of my students have special needs, so each student needs my time and attention differently. This requires a lot of differentiation of materials and modifications to the learning environment. Often, students first need accessible materials, so I start with that. Then I manage my classroom like a three-ring circus. Everyone is doing something different, but they are all a part of the classroom learning environment in the way that is best suited for them.
How do you encourage student curiosity?
Productive struggle is the best way to encourage curiosity. Give students a task, and help them to work through the failures until they succeed. I ask questions and guide but never give the answer. I let them find it.
How do you use APT and PBS LearningMedia resources in the classroom?
We use PBS KIDS and APT in our classroom every day. My students love the Wild Kratts!
What’s the most important purpose a teacher performs?
Creating a safe learning environment is the most important job of a teacher. Kids must know they are safe to make mistakes and feel empowered to make them in order to grow. Students need to know what to expect from their classroom environment. When they are given a safe place to not be perfect, they will learn so much more!
What advice would you share with people who are interested in becoming teachers?
Visit a classroom and volunteer for projects in the community where you will interact with kids of all ages.
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Each recipient will receive $500 to be used for professional development, classroom materials, supplies, visiting experts, field trips or other resources, products, events, etc. that directly impacts the success of students and the promotion of learning.
"As a former classroom teacher, I understand the challenges that teachers face on a daily basis," says Dr. Briana Morton, Vice President of Educational Services. "Alabama has so many incredible classroom teachers and I am thrilled to showcase teachers who have inspired, engaged, and demonstrated innovative approaches to teaching and learning. The Excellence in Education award is just one way that Alabama Public Television can highlight these exceptional educators and inspire current and future educators across our state."
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