Johnson, Walker named 2021 AISD Teachers of the Year

(Jane Johnson (left) and Phyllis Walker are, respectively, the Athens ISD elementary and secondary teachers of the year for 2021. — Toni Garrard Clay Photo)

By Toni Garrard ClayAISD Communications Coordinator

In a district blessed with a multitude of outstanding educators, two have been chosen to represent Athens ISD among their peers. Jane Johnson is the AISD 2021 Elementary School Teacher of the Year, and Phyllis Walker is the AISD 2021 Secondary School Teacher of the Year.

Johnson, a reading interventionist at South Athens Elementary, has been in education for 42 years, 35 with AISD. She taught third grade for seven years, first grade for 14, and another 21 in reading intervention, working with students to help them develop better reading skills.

Walker, an English teacher at Athens High School, has been in education for 26 and a half years, nine with Athens ISD. She began her career teaching third and fourth graders, eventually transitioning over to work with secondary students at both the middle and high school levels.

We asked both of these standout teachers to answer a few questions.

** What’s the most significant way you have seen education change over the years? 

Johnson: At the beginning of my career, I was handed a textbook with a teacher’s manual and expected to teach straight from it. Now, I’m handed standards, and I have to figure out how to teach them and what materials I need. Lessons are much more finely crafted. 

** Have children changed in the time you’ve been a teacher, or the way you have to teach them?

Walker: I've changed. And I hope to keep changing. So, I'm sure they have, too.

** What’s the most important thing your leaders can do to help you be effective in the classroom?

Johnson: Protect my time, trust me, and get me needed resources.

Walker: Spend a day of the year in a classroom setting with kids.

** What does being a teacher within AISD mean to you? 

Walker: It means being part of a team that makes decisions in the BEST interest of students and families.

Johnson: A total investment in our community, which means giving the best I can every day.

** Do you have a daily or weekly practice that helps prepare you for the rigors of teaching?

Johnson: I have two daily practices. I get up super early every day and start by praying and meditating — no devices allowed, and none allowed at bedtime. After school I always (unless there’s a storm) get outside, usually to walk. If it’s dark when I get home, I still at least go out and look at the sky. It’s a mindfulness practice for me.

Walker: I drink 12 cups of hot tea each day, starting at 5 a.m.

** Do you have an anecdote you’d like to share from your years as a teacher?

Walker: It was a normal afternoon at Athens Middle School, and I was rambling on about a professional football player. The topic was dream jobs. I had the audacity to say that anyone who is going to be interviewed about the job he's passionate about should say something better than, “There were so many great moments that made me feel, and continue to make me feel, really great." A hand shot up at the back of the room. He asked when I called on him, "Mrs. Walker, what's your best moment with us this year so far?"  And as always, I got taught!

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