Kaitlyn Johnson

Tell us why you became a teacher

I became a high school teacher because I wanted to give back. The guidance I received as a high school student from my teachers and coaches was invaluable. They changed me as a person and showed me the importance of hard work, education, and caring for others.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

In my eight years of teaching I’ve had many memorable teaching experiences. Having my students tell me they miss learning in class and seeing me everyday when we did remote learning during the pandemic. Helping students navigate returning to school after losing a loved one to overdose. Assisting first generation college students apply for scholarships and admission to college. I’ve been blessed to help my students and there is no way I could pick just one memorable experience.

What would you do with the $25,000?

I would pay off my student loan debt from getting my masters in educational leadership and help my grandparents pay off their medical debt. I would then like to donate money to spay and neuter campaigns for my local animal shelter and start a yearly scholarship fund for first generation student atheltes to attend college at my high school.