Darryl Johnson
Missouri Teacher of the Year
Smithville High School, Smithville
Grade 10, Communication Arts, Advanced Literature

My teaching philosophy
My basic but vital principles are establishing and maintaining mutually high expectations, using humor to spark and retain interest, and developing creative and rigorous assessments.

My philosophy in action
First, in addition to discussing my syllabus on the first day, my students write a diagnostic essay describing three expectations they have of me during the school year. Second, I use quips, puns and redirection during discussion and occasionally reward students for their verbal contributions with a Pez. Last, I develop challenging but creative assessments, like my examination of Julius Caesar called “A Shakespearean Theme Park: The Caesarean Section.”

My greatest teaching accomplishment
My greatest teaching accomplishment is being selected Teacher of the Year in my high school for the last eight years in a row.

The most critical issues facing educators today
Teacher recruitment and retention and salaries are separate, but related, issues facing educators today.

Ways to resolve this issue
I think veteran master teachers should have the opportunity to become more directly involved with colleges and universities. Simply reviewing potential student teacher candidates isn’t enough. These institutions should be the lifeline to our schools, so teachers (and administrators) should be empowered to make early contacts. To help boost salaries, districts should consider providing financial incentives for various leadership roles within the district and its connection with the community.

One thought to inspire teachers to succeed
Years ago, a student said in my class, “If they [teachers] don’t care about teaching, I see no reason to prove to them that I care about learning.”

One lesson every student should learn
Life is about connecting, not collecting.

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