Mr. Johnson Named Educator of the Month for February 2019
A common thread running through all nominations is Mr. Johnson’s dedication to his student’s, their families, and the program. One grandparent wrote, “I think of Mr. Johnson as dedication in motion. He seeks out opportunities for the band to perform and compete and he spends a lot of his personal time with the band at these events, some of them out of town. I know he is often to the point of exhaustion, but like the little pink (Energizer) bunny, he just keeps going and going and going.”
History is repeating itself. Four years have gone by since Mr. Jon Johnson, Band Director at Franklin County High School and Franklin County Middle School, was selected for Franklin County “Educator of the Month” recognition. Fast forward to 2019. Mr. Johnson has once again been chosen for this honor. According to Franklin County Superintendent, Dr. Debbie Howell, she received multiple nominations for Mr. Johnson.
Mr. Johnson has been with the Franklin County School Corporations for 19 years. During that time, he has grown the program from 23 members to 90+. After a ten (10) year hiatus from competing at the Indiana State Fair Band Day, Mr. Johnson returned the Marching Wildcats to the track. At this year’s competition, the band made the top 20 for the first time in the school’s history!
Johnson received his Bachelors in Music Education from Indiana Wesleyan University in 1999. As an educator, Mr. Johnson models lifelong learning for his students and colleagues. He frequently attends the annual Midwest International Band and Orchestra Clinic in Chicago. Mr. Johnson has completed coursework in music education beyond his Bachelor’s Degree from VanderCook College of Music. He is also an active member of the Indiana Bandmasters Association.
Another parent so eloquently wrote, “What an incredible opportunity he (Johnson) has to shape a generation. Next to parents, he has been the most consistent, positive, and influential adult in my son’s life. He has given students friendships and memories that will last a lifetime. His program has helped make my son the person he is. I just wanted to thank him for encouraging my son to be so dedicated to something and to bring the love of music into his life.”
The purpose of the “Educator of the Month” program is to recognize outstanding Franklin County educators who demonstrate excellence in the classroom, leadership in the school, dedication to the students, and involvement in the community. Nomination forms for “Educator of the Month” can be found on the school corporation website at www.fccsc.k12.in.us.