Off-site Teacher of the Year encourages students to learn by doing
May 9, 2014
As an early childhood special education teacher, April Johnson embraces hands-on learning for her students.
“I love the kids, their spunk, their love for coming to school, and the excitement they show when they discover something new,” she said. “I enjoy watching my students learn by doing.”
In her third year as an Early Intervention Services teacher for Moorhead Area Public Schools, Johnson has been named the Off-site Teacher of the Year.
According to Robin Grooters, director of early learning programs, Johnson is a caring and nurturing teacher.
“One of April’s strengths is her ability to individualize the classroom environment for all children,” Grooters said.
Johnson collaborates with families and other staff members, working to develop a warm and caring environment for students, Grooters said.
Johnson earned her bachelor’s degree in early childhood special education from Minnesota State University Moorhead. She earned her master’s in teaching and learning from University of St. Mary’s and her autism certificate through St. Thomas University.
Prior to coming to Moorhead Area Public Schools, Johnson was an early childhood special education teacher for nine years in the Prior Lake-Savage (Minn.) School District. Johnson’s special education team was awarded Team of the Year in 2001, and she was awarded Teacher of the Year in 2008.
While in Prior Lake-Savage, Johnson also taught an evening early childhood family education class that allowed families of students with disabilities to come together and discuss questions and concerns with others, and she served on the Prior Lake-Savage District’s ECFE Advisory Council for four years.
Last year, besides teaching for EIS, Johnson served as a community member on the Clay-Wilkin County Head Start Policy Council.
Grooters considers Johnson a valuable EIS team member and experienced teacher.
“She makes a real difference in the lives and outcomes for children with disabilities and their families,” Grooters said.
Photo caption: April Johnson, Early Intervention Services teacher and the district’s Off-site Teacher of the Year, works with a student to identify numbers.
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