It's a new school year ... and that means WGN's Teacher of the Month segment is back in session.
Just two years ago this month's honoree left her home in Seattle and drove across the country to Chicago so she could follow her dream of teaching inner city kids. Now settled in her Passages Charter School classroom, Sarena Johnson is helping drive her young students on the road to academic success.
Sarena Johnson: "My number has a 2 and a 5 in it ... what is my number?"
First grade. The basics ... plus so much more.
George Hannah, Passages First Grader: "We go to recess and we go to lunch and we do math centers."
Sarena Johnson: "Count back three numbers ..."
Sarena Johnson, Passages Charter School Teacher: "I've got some of the smartest kids that wake up everyday excited about learning. They want to be presidents, scientists, mothers."
Sarena Johnson: "Clap if you hear my voice. Clap twice if you are looking at me."
They're getting the message. Ms. Johnson has the full attention of her first graders.
Yusra Hussain, Passages First Grader: "When we were in kindergarten she was giving us easy stuff. Now she is giving us hard stuff."
Alassane Twillie, Passages First Grader: "We have to read chapter books and read to someone else."
Sarena Johnson: "I have wanted to be a teacher since 7th grade. I decided I wanted to do it so got in my car and drove from Seattle to Chicago in 2008. Now that I'm here I can't imagine a life outside of teaching and working with kids."
Just two years into her career, parents like Cathie Mota are happy she's here.
Cathie Mota, Parent: "She makes everything so exciting for the kids and makes them want to achieve their goals."
Val Warner: "Ms. Johnson we'd like to congratulate you on being WGN's Teacher of the Month!"
In recognition of Ms. Johnson's achievements, Passages Charter School received a $1,700 scholarship to Sylvan Learning Centers.
About September's Winner:
Just two years ago this month's honoree left her home in Seattle and drove across the country to Chicago so she could follow her dream of teaching inner city kids. Now settled in her Passages Charter School classroom, Sarena Johnson is helping drive her young students on the road to academic success.
Sarena Johnson: "My number has a 2 and a 5 in it ... what is my number?"
First grade. The basics ... plus so much more.
George Hannah, Passages First Grader: "We go to recess and we go to lunch and we do math centers."
Sarena Johnson: "Count back three numbers ..."
Sarena Johnson, Passages Charter School Teacher: "I've got some of the smartest kids that wake up everyday excited about learning. They want to be presidents, scientists, mothers."
Sarena Johnson: "Clap if you hear my voice. Clap twice if you are looking at me."
They're getting the message. Ms. Johnson has the full attention of her first graders.
Yusra Hussain, Passages First Grader: "When we were in kindergarten she was giving us easy stuff. Now she is giving us hard stuff."
Alassane Twillie, Passages First Grader: "We have to read chapter books and read to someone else."
Sarena Johnson: "I have wanted to be a teacher since 7th grade. I decided I wanted to do it so got in my car and drove from Seattle to Chicago in 2008. Now that I'm here I can't imagine a life outside of teaching and working with kids."
Just two years into her career, parents like Cathie Mota are happy she's here.
Cathie Mota, Parent: "She makes everything so exciting for the kids and makes them want to achieve their goals."
Val Warner: "Ms. Johnson we'd like to congratulate you on being WGN's Teacher of the Month!"
In recognition of Ms. Johnson's achievements, Passages Charter School received a $1,700 scholarship to Sylvan Learning Centers.
About September's Winner:
- Teacher's Name: Sarena Johnson
- School: Passages Charter School
- Teacher of: First Grade
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