Jackie Shannon Johnson has been named South Panola School District’s Teacher of the Year.
"I am very elated over it all," Johnson said. "It’s a treat. I know the quality of the teachers in this district. To be chosen by my peers is an honor."
Johnson is a first grade teacher with Batesville Elementary School under principal Carolyn Graham.
In her 11 years of teaching, Johnson has taught numerous children through the South Panola School District.
She received her master of elementary education from the University of Mississippi, with an emphasis in Math and Science.
Johnson’s first degree is a bachelor accountancy which she received in 1986 and in 1992 she returned to school for her bachelor of elementary education.
As a 1982 graduate of South Panola High School, Johnson elected to return to teach in the school of her own education.
"I love children. If I had not worked with children, I would have been a nurse," Johnson said.
Being the best teacher she can be, Johnson earned her national board certification in the fall of 2000.
She is also a member of the Mississippi Association of Educators.
Being busy and always on the go keep Johnson’s life full.
"I can’t function if my brain is not stressed. When there’s calm in my life, I feel like something’s very wrong," she said.
Johnson enjoys working in the South Panola School District, a district which she says challenges the teachers and students to achieve high goals.
"It makes it easier to work in a place which is organized, supported and a place which expects high achievement. The students know we expect them to do good.
"The most rewarding thing here is when a child is counted out at first and then he works hard and you see that child succeed," Johnson continued. "You see them believing in themselves, have high esteem and see them on the honor roll in high school. That is so rewarding. If I can help a child, them my career has not been wasted."
Her dedication to her community is also noted. She serves on the board of the Batesville Boys and Girls Club and is a tutor at the club.
Johnson’s future goals include pursuing a doctoral degree in education with an emphasis in leadership.
"I attribute everything that I am to God, my parents and family, former teachers, and the people I am so fortunate to work with each day," Johnson said.
She is married to Bruce Johnson and they have one child, Nicolas. She is the daughter of Mrs. Essie Mae Shannon and the late Bossie D. Shannon, has three brothers and two sisters.
Johnson is very active in her church, Mt. Pleasant M.B. Church, where she serves as assistant Sunday School teacher and choir director.
Her hobbies include playing the piano, reading, sewing, cooking, singing and spending time with her family.
