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Congratulations to
Life-Changing Teaching Award Nominee
GINA JOHNSON
CHARLES AND PHYLLIS FRIAS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

STUDENT RECOGNITION STORY

Ms. Johnson is incredible because she doesn't just teach curriculum; she teaches the whole child. She is always supportive of Samyra in the gen-ed classroom and treats her with the utmost respect, even in Samyra's most vulnerable moments. We are so grateful for a teacher who respects her boundaries and helps her find her way back when she feels lost. Samyra feels safe in Ms. Johnson’s class because she knows she is understood. Whether it’s working through a tough lesson on prefixes and suffixes or an interesting reading on insects, Ms. Johnson makes sure Samyra feels included and capable. Knowing she has a teacher who will listen when she says 'stop talking' and give her the space she needs makes Samyra feel empowered to keep trying. She reaches out with updates so we can support Samyra at home, and she never gives up on her. When Samyra had a meltdown because another student finished before her, Ms. Johnson didn't get frustrated; she used grounding and breathing strategies to help Samyra regulate her emotions. Ms. Johnson builds Samyra’s confidence by protecting her emotional well-being. Inside the classroom, she is a constant advocate for Samyra’s needs. Outside of the classroom, her open communication and collaborative spirit give us as parents peace of mind. She ensures that the 'hiccups' don't define Samyra’s experience, allowing her to 'come back' and succeed. One of the things we admire most about Ms. Johnson is how she always share the credit with the other teachers and the SPTAs whenever we appreciate her work. It shows what a beautiful, humble human being she is and how much she value the whole team supporting Samyra. To us, as parents, Samyra outgrowing her language challenges is the biggest milestone of our lives. We are so deeply grateful that she has Ms. Johnson by her side during this journey. Her patience while she 'finds her words' is giving her the confidence to keep trying, even when it’s hard. Samyra truly loves going to her class!
Samyra Singh

To see more exceptional teacher nominees, visit The Honor Roll.


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