2002 Colorado Teacher of the Year
Ms. Johnston brings twelve years of teaching experience to the students in grades nine through twelve at Eaglecrest High School in Colorado. She is an English teacher.

What are your beliefs about teaching?
"I believe that every child comes to school each day to be successful."

How are your beliefs incorporated in your teaching style?
"I have created the English component of an interdisciplinary course designed to support students who struggle."

What is your greatest teaching accomplishment?
"My greatest teaching accomplishment is using color coding techniques to enhance the students' writing ability. I color each sentence to demonstrate strengths and weaknesses."

What's the most critical issue facing educators today and what do you think can be done to resolve this issue?
"The most critical issue facing educators today is student apathy and burnout. Students are too content to shirk and underperform. One way to resolve these issues is to have a cultural realignment celebrating education so that accomplishments are valued by students."

Inspirational thought:
"Begin each day fresh with a sense of humor and a sense of forgiving."