JANEL JOHNSON

2008 IATLC Teacher of the Year

This year’s recipient of the IATLC Teacher of the Year award, Janel Johnson, is well-grounded in responding to the needs of students who need an advocate in their educational journey. Students also have been engaged with this instructor in an international journey under the monumental structures in one of Europe’s proud nations and through the mazes of grammar in second language learning. As a long-time faithful IATLC participant, our Teacher of the Year has been a constant beacon of hope in our struggles to keep foreign language as an integral part of the curriculum in our schools at every level. Energies have been expended on our behalf in the writing and implementation of humanities standards. Janel has been active in the process of connecting parents to the schools, and the students to the wealth of learning about themselves, and about their potential as well mannered, productive international ambassadors from rural Idaho.

Nominations for Janel have been full of accolades for this individual as a parent, grandparent, civic leader, community leader, volunteer, and foremost as a teacher who teaches content and who delivers world language and culture with varied and exciting strategies.

Janel has been applauded in a written nomination for “tremendous and continuous service” rendered to her school and to her community. Respect is earned when Janel champions foreign language education. There is “fearlessness and steadfastness” in her opposition to “those who would undermine instruction of foreign languages everywhere.”

Janel knows how potatoes are unearthed; how to unearth the hidden talents of many students who may be awaiting their own harvest; and how to be a professional who is both mentor and leader. We see this year’s recipient as a fountain of energy.

We know that she glows when students experience the climb to the top of a castle, and not many will dispute that Janel Johnson is a true professional “who can” can, can.

Let’s congratulate Janel, a leader among us.