Parkside Elementary School teacher recognized as regional teacher of the year

Capital Region Educational Service District 113 has named Holly Johnson, a special education teacher at Parkside Elementary School in Tenino, as its regional teacher of the year.

The district selected Johnson because of her ability to support the specific needs of each of her students. Because her program is not disability focused, she has adapted her teaching methods to accommodate a wide variety of students, according to a district news release.

Johnson, who has worked at the school for more than 20 years, said she believes her primary purpose is to remove barriers to education for her students and their families. In the Tenino School District, she leads “Ready! for Kindergarten,” an event that helps guide parents through pre-kindergarten processes. The program has increased enrollment in the district.

“She enthusiastically had a plan, not only for what my son could accomplish with help, but for who he was and what he loved,” said Andrea Corcoran, a parent of one of Johnson’s pupils.

Brock Williams, principal of Parkside Elementary, said Johnson has gone above and beyond her job description as an educator. During the pandemic, she facilitated porch drop-offs for families, providing additional materials outside of online learning. She also has received several grants from Donors Choose and the Squaxin Island Tribe to provide sensory and hands-on materials to her students.

“Holly does many things behind the scenes to help children be successful and feel good about themselves while working closely with the family, other service providers, healthcare providers, and the larger support community,” Williams said. “She provides hope to families facing many challenges.”

Johnson will be recognized on Monday at a Tenino School District meeting.

She is one of nine candidates in consideration for the Washington State Teacher of the Year. The Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction will select the winner in fall.