By Isabella Zarate
For those familiar with the Mahomet-Seymour school district, the name Kim Johnson is likely to ring a bell. Johnson has been an educator with the schools for over three decades taking on the positions of second-grade teacher, third-grade teacher, and Instructional Coach for K-5.
Now, after 34 years in education, Johnson has finally decided to retire.
“I’m excited,” Johnson shared. “But a little apprehensive about the unknown.”
After graduating from the University of Illinois, Johson spent two years working as a research assistant. At that time, she focused on a longitudinal study and Mahomet-Seymour happened to be one of the schools she was researching.
“I got to spend lots of time with the amazing staff. I knew it was a wonderful school and a great place for students to learn.” Eventually, an opening for a second-grade teacher came available and Johnson applied and got the job.
“Lee Jessup hired me and was my first principal at Lincoln Trail,” Johnson explained. “I was hired at a time when the district was really beginning to grow.”
As the schools were continuing to develop, Johnson shared how within her first few months she didn’t even have a classroom.
“I set up my first classroom in half of a gymnasium,” she exclaimed. It was not until January that she was able to move into a classroom and back into a more traditional setting.
Looking back at her time in education, Johnson recounts a few of the many things that kept her in the field.
Being a “teacher is a calling, and one that I embrace and love. I can’t imagine doing anything else.”
For Johnson, the importance lies with the students. “From the beginning, I wanted my students to feel valued and special. I hope I was able to make each one feel that way.”
“Students come to us from all kinds of backgrounds, but they all come to school looking to be accepted and loved,” she explained. “To me, the most important part of being a teacher is forming positive relationships with all students, making each of them feel welcome, important, and capable.”
Through the years, Johnson has adapted to a lot of changes within the classroom, but one of the biggest has been advances in technology.
“I’ve implemented a wide variety of technology into the classroom and have loved the challenge of learning new ways of teaching and engaging students,” she said.
“Those first huge computers in our computer lab in the 1990s [were] the beginning,” Johnson expressed. “Now we all have smartboards, smartphones, laptops, Chromebooks, document cameras, apps, google classroom, etc. that make the world of education exciting and new each year.”
Amongst student relationships, “Happy Hours with teachers, field trips, theatrical plays with students, Lincoln Trail’s amazing Veteran’s Day celebrations, Writers’ Workshop, and learning alongside amazing student teachers” are all some of Johnson’s favorite memories that she will carry with her to retirement.
While Johnson has spent years shaping, leading, and impacting young minds, her students have somewhat done the same for her.
“I’m a more patient, accepting person because of my experience with students,” Johnson said. “I’ve learned that you never know what someone is going through, and the biggest gift you can give them is to accept them as they are.”
As Johnson prepares to begin this new chapter of her life she hopes teachers will remember that “all teachers, even those who are amazing veteran teachers, can still grow their craft and continue learning.”
Johnson added, “We [teachers] should not become stagnant, but continue our journey of making the educational experience the best it can be for our students.”
“Being part of the Mahomet-Seymour schools has been a true honor,” Johnson exclaimed.
“The traditions and Bulldog spirit of this school district is like no other. No matter what is happening, good or bad, I can always say ‘It’s a great day to be a Bulldog!’”
