Kelley Johnson (center) was named as the Le Mars Community “Teacher of the Year” Monday afternoon. She is surrounded by Carolyn Vance (left) with the Le Mars Community School Alumni Association, and Denise Anthony (right) with the Le Mars Community School Foundation. Standing behind Johnson are Scott Parry, Kluckholn Elementary Principal (left) and Dr. Steve Webner, (right) School Superintendent with Le Mars Community Schools.
(Le Mars) — A Kluckholn elementary 4th grade teacher was named as the Le Mars Community “Teacher of the Year”, and recipient of the crystal bell award. Kelley Johnson was surprised on Monday afternoon when her name was announced during a school assembly program. The 4th grade teacher has been
teaching for the past 26 years. She taught in Sioux City for four years, four years at Kissinger in Merrill, and the last 18 at Kluckholn. Johnson was initially speechless, and humbled when her name was announced as the “2019 Teacher of the Year.”
The elementary students at Kluckholn were enthusiastic and loud when Kelley Johnson was named as the recipient of the Crystal Bell award.
Johnson says she looks forward to seeing the students each and everyday, and was appreciative of the students reaction.
When asked about her philosophy on education, Johnson paused a moment reflecting on her answer, then said she hopes to treat every student with the kindness they deserve.
Johnson also says she lives for that so-called “light-bulb” moment when a student may suddenly realize the correct answer, and is indeed learning.
Johnson received a plague acknowledging her award. She will be honored at the upcoming Le Mars Community School Foundation banquet. As part of being named the “Teacher of the Year,” Johnson will receive two $500 checks from the school foundation and alumni association. One check is for her personal
use, while the second check is to be utilized in the classroom. Her students made a suggestion as to how one of the $500 payment can be utilized.
The school foundation banquet is scheduled for April 24th and will be held at the lower level of the Le Mars Convention Center.
