Teacher of the Week | Daisy Johnson
February 21st, 2008, 7:54 pm Hobby Shops
Age: 52.
Reason for becoming a teacher: While attending a school function with one of my daughters, I observed the teachers and administrators and their fight to maintain order with the students. I became engaged with a couple of students and teachers and immediately a flashlight appeared directing me in the teaching field. I wanted to become a teacher to make a difference in someone’s life. I strongly believe that all students are capable of learning if proper guidance is provided.
Greatest moment as a teacher: I cherish the story of how one particular student in my business class failed but returned to my class a year later (at his own request) to face the challenge of my teaching. After passing the class and attending Lake-Sumter Community College, this student returned to give me thanks for pushing him to face and accept challenges.
Most embarrassing moment as a teacher: I really can’t think of anything that was embarrassing. If I was asked about my saddest moment I can say it saddens me when parents do not take an interest in the learning aspect of their children.
Favorite aspects of being a teacher: My favorite aspects include my continued desire to learn and seek out new things to expand my field of knowledge. As I learn new things I am able to incorporate my learning into lessons to teach my students. Least favorite part of teaching: Expecting everyone to be team players, to work together on tasks and to accept changes that would benefit the students, and learning that this is not always the case. Favorite movies: I like action movies and all of Denzel Washington’s movies.
Last book you read: Failure Is Not An Option!
Favorite hobbies: Going to church, coordinating weddings, reading, socializing with friends, traveling, shopping and visiting elderly people.
Family: I have been married for thirty years to Larry. We are the proud parents of four beautiful daughters. Of the four, three have graduated from college. One is a pharmacist, one a counselor for the elderly and the third, a teacher. Our fourth is in her final year studying political science and hopes to attend law school. We have three adorable grandchildren, two boys and a girl.
If you weren’t a teacher, what would you be and why? My first career choice was to become a lawyer. After working in the law field for 17 years, my desire of becoming a lawyer vanished.
Person you most admire and why: I have a great admiration for my oldest brother and my oldest sister. My parents died at an early age and they stepped in to continue my parents’ role. They kept us grounded in the values that our parents believed in. In my growing years I’ve always patterned myself after my brother. He always found a way to get around his obstacles.
Full-time public and private school teachers in Lake County are eligible for nomination. Nominators can be students or their parents, school staffers and friends, but not family members of the teacher. Information needed is the nominator’s name, phone number, the teacher’s name, school, grade they teach and a brief reason for their nomination. Nominations are limited to the first 40 received. To nominate a teacher, e-mail Linda Florea at lflorea@orlandosentinel.com.
More articles
Tags: challenges, desire, family members, grandchildren, guidance, Hobbies, mom, obstacle, parentsRelated posts
