Step inside Mrs. Jill Johnson’s 5th-grade classroom, and you’ll instantly feel the warmth and love she pours into her teaching. The walls are adorned with encouraging messages; a Prayer Request/Praise board; pictures of her grandchildren, famous leaders, and current students.
In just fifteen minutes, Mrs. Johnson uses her years of educational expertise, turning learning into a fun adventure and utilizing a variety of learning styles during review time – including repetition and technology. Picture this: the room alive with excitement and purpose as students use hand motions and catchy tunes to memorize the Bill of Rights. And when it’s quiz time, out comes Mrs. Johnson’s phone, using an app that makes learning feel like a game instead of a chore. Next, the students split up into teams to quiz each other in their knowledge of their current subject with what Mrs. Johnson calls “cootie catchers,” folded paper reminiscent of a star with flaps that open to reveal the answer.
For Mrs. Johnson, teaching isn’t just a profession—it’s her ministry and a lifelong passion fulfilled. From nurturing young minds to realizing her childhood dream of becoming an educator, she exemplifies the transformative power of passionate teaching. In every lesson, interaction, and moment shared with her students, Mrs. Johnson leaves a mark, shaping the leaders and learners of tomorrow with love and enthusiasm.
With roots at SCA since ’89, Mrs. Johnson’s teaching and administrator journey has come full circle. Now, she’s not just teaching kids—she’s teaching the kids of kids she once taught or led as a principal. What a legacy! Just for fun, leave a comment if Mrs. Johnson was your teacher or principal at SCA!
EDUCATION: B.S. Degree in Early Childhood from Georgia Southwestern;
Masters Degree in Educational Leadership from Albany State;
Specialist Degree in Educational Leadership from Valdosta State;
Graduated Summa Cum Laude from all three colleges
YEARS LEADING IN EDUCATION: I began teaching at SCA in 1989. I taught second grade for six years and fifth grade for four years. In 2000 I became elementary principal for seventeen years. I reentered the classroom (fifth grade) in 2018.
WHAT IS YOU FAVORITE THING ABOUT TEACHING ELEMENTARY STUDENTS? I enjoy teaching fifth grade because of their maturity level. They are able to comprehend on a higher level, reason through situations, complete projects on their own, and even understand silly teacher jokes!
FAVORITE PLACE YOU’VE VISITED ON VACATION: Favorite places I have visited include Israel, Italy, and Greece.
FAVORITE HOBBY: A hobby I enjoy is smocking dresses for newborn baby girls.
FAVORITE BOOK: My favorite author is Francine Rivers.
FAVORITE MOVIE: My favorite movie is “Saving Private Ryan.”
AS A CHILD, WHAT DID YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU GREW UP? I’ve always wanted to be a teacher. I played “school” through all of my young years with my sisters, friends, and dolls.
WHY DO YOU THINK CHRISTIAN EDUCATION IS IMPORTANT AND SPECIAL? I believe Christian education is the only way to go. My own children are 40 and 38 years old. It was important that our family spiritual values matched their educational values. Sherwood Christian Academy provided that and prepared them to defend their faith as adults.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE MEMORY AT SCA? My favorite memories include when my children were a part of SCA. They were involved in athletics, participating in football, softball, basketball, baseball, soccer, and golf. Our daughter was involved in the arts as well. She had roles in Annie, Hello Dolly, and Joseph and the Technicolor Dream Coat.
