By CHELSAE CORDIA
Staff Writer
"Dear Mrs. Johnson, Your are really nice. You help your class with reading and math. You are really funny and smart. You read a lot of fiction and non-fiction books to us. ... I like you and you are really butiful. You are the best teacher ever!"
First grader Bristol Weadon's letter of recommendation highlights her favorite things about her teacher, Amanda Johnson, Lake Road Elementary School's 2018-19 Teacher of the Year.
Nominated by her peers, with letters of support from parents and students, Johnson is described as a leader in instruction and collaboration, and a comfort and grace in the classroom.
Teachers Hannah Chatman and Gabrielle Epps said they nominated Johnson for the TOY recognition because of the environment she provides for her students and coworkers. The pair commended Johnson on her ability to remain consistent despite the nature of any situation.
"She exudes patience, (and) open-mindedness which provides the opportunity to de-escalate, ensure, or redirect any conversations she has with parents, students, peers, or community members," they wrote.
Johnson, formerly Pryor, graduated in 2010 from Hannibal-LaGrange University with a Bachelor of Science and earned her Masters degree in curriculum instruction in 2013. She has been with the Poplar Bluff R-1 School District since 2010.
Chatman and Epps said Johnson also understands that before a child can grow academically, they must first be taken care of physically and emotionally.
"Her nurturing, yet accountable nature shows each child they are special and can rise above their circumstances to become the best they can be," they continued.
Chatman and Epps said Johnson remains in contact with parents and guardians to address the various needs of her students, thus trying her best to ensure a positive learning environment.
"She has bought clothes for children who did not have any; visited absent students to provide extra support; called each morning when they had not shown up to school to ensure their safety and health; taken preparation periods to provide extra support for struggling students, academically, behaviorally and emotionally," they said.
Parent Christina Brown said Johnson made the family's transition to first grade a joyous and happy occasion.
"She has always gone out of her way to reassure me that my child is in good hands," Brown wrote. "The thing that I love the most about Mrs. Johnson is that she teachers the children kindness everyday, not only with her words but also through her actions."
Brown said Johnson sees the talents within each child and that her "entire teaching approach involves finding and using children's unique strengths to help them overcome any obstacles they might face."
Chatman and Epps said Johnson is active in the community in various ways, including through her more than 20 year membership at the Mt. Calvary Powerhouse Church of God.
In addition, they said, Johnson has volunteered with John 3:16 Ministries, The Child Concern Center, and has provided transportation and warm meals for kids who need physical and emotional support.
Johnson is married to Johnny, a correctional officer at the Charleston Correctional Center. She has a step-daughter, 11-year-old Jade, and 1-year-old son Josiah.
Johnson said her greatest aspiration is to continue in the footsteps of her parents and grandparents.
"The God-fearing lives they have led and the compassion they have extended to countless men and women inspire (me) to share those same qualities with everyone (I meet)," wrote Johnson, who added that she feels there is no greater quality than the desire to share love, mercy and kindness with others.