Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education

Vol. 40, No. 36

Darryl Johnson works hard in the classroom to excite and motivate his students. He believes that if he does his best at teaching, his students will do their best at learning. This mutual expectation permeates his classroom and is at the heart of his teaching philosophy.

Mr. Johnson, a communication arts teacher at Smithville High School, is Missouri’s Teacher of the Year for 2006-07, state education officials announced today.

He is revered in Smithville as a high-energy teacher who uses enthusiasm and humor to engage his students and help them achieve. Most importantly, he strives to earn their respect.

The feeling is mutual.

Student McKynlee Westman described Mr. Johnson as "something special." "Every student left his room at the end of the year with a better knowledge of respect, creativity and what they could achieve," she said in a letter of recommendation for the award.

A nine-member selection committee appointed by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education interviewed six state-level finalists Aug. 31 to select the new Teacher of the Year. Mr. Johnson automatically becomes Missouri’s candidate for the 2007 National Teacher of the Year award.

Mr. Johnson is beginning his 15th year in the profession. He has been in his current position at Smithville High School since 1995 and is presently chair of the English department. His effectiveness as a teacher is based upon establishing and maintaining mutual expectations, using humor to spark and retain interest, and developing creative assessments.

"The truth about achievement really comes down to teachers and students having mutually high expectations of one another," he said in the written nomination form for the award. "Students respect teachers who hold strong convictions but are also empathetic; ones who use humor often without being insensitive or inappropriate; ones who are prepared but flexible. Students want someone who knows their name, acknowledges their presence and establishes a safe environment for them.

"Simply put, good teaching involves humor because it’s effective in establishing and maintaining rapport and improving retention. Humor is one of the few things that connect teachers and students. Unpredictable zingers from both teachers and students add liveliness and color to discussion."

"An Ambassador for Both Teaching and Learning"

Mr. Johnson serves on the professional development committee for his district and school. He also serves on the Northwest Missouri State University Advisory Council in Secondary English Methods. His writings have been published in regional and national publications, including the "English Journal," a national publication for high school English teachers. Six of his lessons have been featured as best practices by Missouri SuccessLink, three of which won a $100 stipend. He has been a keynote speaker for various education groups and for three commencement ceremonies.

Before joining the Smithville School District in 1995, he taught at Plattsburg High School in the Clinton County R-III School District (1993-95) and at Northeast Nodaway County R-V High School, Ravenwood (1992-93). He also was an adjunct instructor at Maple Woods Community College from 2002-04.

Mr. Johnson holds a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in English from Northwest Missouri State University. He earned national certification through the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards in 2002.

At Smithville High School, he has been named Teacher of the Year eight years in a row (1998-2006). Superintendent Rob Leachman described Mr. Johnson as a "phenomenal" teacher. "His standards are very high, but he conversely assumes a high level of personal responsibility for assisting his students to meet those high standards. In the Smithville School District, he is a shining star whose impact upon the literally hundreds of students he has taught over the years has been profound."

The State Board of Education will honor Mr. Johnson and the five finalists in the Teacher of the Year program at a banquet Nov. 15 in Jefferson City. Each teacher will receive cash awards and other prizes.

The Missouri Teacher of the Year program is conducted by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education with financial support provided by the Boeing Company, St. Louis.