Spotlight on Teaching Staff

"Whoever first coined the phrase 'you're the wind beneath my wings' most assuredly was reflecting on the sublime influence of a very special teacher."

--Frank Trujillo

 

Robyn Johnson is finishing her 26th year at Clearbrook-Gonvick. She lives in the area with her husband, Doug, and their four children: Moriah, Mikala, Samuel, and Luke. Robyn attended Bagley elementary and high schools.  After high school, she attended Bethel College in St. Paul, enrolling in the  Nursing Program.  During nursing training, she decided she wanted to follow in her mom’s footsteps and become a teacher.  She transferred to Bemidji State University and finished her Bachelors of Science degree in Elementary Education.

Robyn began her career coaching track and junior high volleyball and driving school bus for Johnson Bus Service for 6 years.  After graduating from college, she headed south and taught 5th grade in Carrollton/Farmers Branch, a suburb of Dallas, Texas.  From there, she moved north and taught 6th grade in Red Lake Public School.  She settled in Clearbrook Public School in 1991. 

Why did you choose to be a teacher? I remember sitting in Sunday School thinking… I think I would like to teach small groups of kids.  I was probably 10 or 11 years old.  My Grandmother, Aunt, Uncle, and Mom were all teachers, so I guess I followed in their footsteps.

What did you do before coming to Clearbrook-Gonvick? I had many jobs.  I was a lifeguard and a dental office receptionist.  I tried working in food service in college and I drove school bus for 6 years.  I coached track, basketball, volleyball, and I taught swimming lessons.

What is the best part of your job at Clearbrook-Gonvick? I like the kids.  I really enjoy getting to know them and I love it when they come back and visit.  

What is the biggest challenge of your job? I think my biggest challenge is grading papers.  I really don’t like all the correcting.  :^)

If you could have any job in the world - what would it be? Why? I would be a small animal veterinarian.  I have always loved working with animals.

 What do you do when you are not working at the school? I like to walk, read, swim, and work with my dogs.  I have 7 golden retrievers and they require a lot of grooming, training and love. 

What are your favorite aspects of the Clearbrook-Gonvick community? This is a fantastic place to live and work.  I have lived in Texas, and in the twin cities.  I think this is the best place to live.  The people are great!   We have made many life long friends.  I love living out by Pine Lake.  We have swans, cranes, geese, and ducks that fly right over our house.  We have bear, otters, martins, owls, and many other critters around our property that we get to watch.  It doesn’t get better than that.

 

And now a few words from the students about Robyn Johnson  from her students....

What do you think Mrs. Johnson was like when she was in elementary school? “Nice, she paid attention, and energetic” “We think she was energetic.” “Amazing.” “Smart.” “Energetic.” “Nice and energetic.” “She had neat handwriting.” “Super fun.”

What do you think Mrs. Johnson does when she is not here at school? “She takes care of her dog and children.” “Take care of her pets and cook supper.” “Stays home and tries to get away from her kids.” “Play with her dogs.” “Spend time with her dogs.” “Takes care of dogs and family.” “Plays with her dogs.” “Works with dogs.”

What job do you think Mrs. Johnson would have if she was not a teacher? “She’d be a vet or person who writes kid books.” “She would work in a vet’s office.” “A nurse” “Vet” “She would write stories.” “Vet.” “A vet.” “Vet”

What is the best thing about Mrs. Johnson? “She’s nice.” “She is nice and a great teacher.” “She has dogs.” “Everything!” “She tells stories and she’s funny.” “She’s nice, helpful, funny, and silly.” “We barely get homework.” “She’s an amazing teacher!”

What do you think is Mrs. Johnson’s favorite thing to do? “Teaching kids.” “Take care of dogs or killing mice with her son.” “Walking dogs” “Going outside” “Spending time with her family” “Teaching us and taking care of dogs.” “Play with her dogs and cats” “Playing with her dogs”

If Mrs. Johnson could be any animal in the world, which animal would she be? “Golden Retriever” “A dog” “Bird because she could look down at the world” “Dog” “A dog because they are her favorite animal” “A bird because it would fly around the world” “A dog because she likes dogs”

What is one thing Mrs. Johnson ALWAYS says? “Jokes, but we don’t laugh” “Good morning” “Put that away forever ever amen” “Forever and forever amen” “Forever and ever amen” “Follow directions” “Forever and ever amen”