Teacher Voices: Wylie Teacher Jennifer Johnson and DEEC Teacher Megan Hinkle

 

JENNIFER JOHNSON, WYLIE ELEMENTARY
SOON-TO-BE-RETIRED TEACHER

Wylie Elementary 3rd grade teacher Jennifer Johnson has been a teacher at Dexter for 29 years. She completed her student teaching in speech pathology at Cornerstone (before it was Anchor), and was hired as a speech pathologist at Bates working with 3rd- and 4th-graders, preschoolers, and high school students. After observing a lesson, her principal suggested Mrs. Johnson should be a classroom teacher, and she has taught 3rd grade ever since! Last year, she received the 2024 LaFontaine Distinguished Teacher Award. After a long and successful teaching career, Mrs. Johnson will be retiring at the end of the 2024-2025 school year. DCS wishes her all the best in her retirement!

Q. What inspired you to become a teacher?
A. My biggest inspiration has always been my mom. She was a high school math teacher, and I had the privilege of watching her pour her heart into her work daily. I grew up watching how she lit up when she talked about her students, her pride in their growth, and the creative ways she brought math to life in her classroom.

What I admired most was the way she made learning fun and meaningful. Her students felt supported and valued. She had a special gift for connecting with people, and that connection made all the difference. I knew I wanted to follow in her footsteps. I wanted to make kids feel the way she made hers feel—capable, curious, and cared for. She showed me how powerful a great teacher can be. 

Q. Reflecting on your years of teaching, what are some of the most significant changes you've witnessed, either at Dexter or in education in general?
A. Over the past three decades, I’ve seen education shift in profound ways. One of the biggest changes is how much more we understand—and prioritize—the whole child. When I first started teaching, the focus was largely academic. Now, we recognize that a child’s emotional well-being, social skills, and sense of safety are essential for learning. Social-emotional learning, trauma-informed practices, and mindfulness have become part of our everyday language.

Technology is another major shift. I’ve gone from chalkboards and overhead projectors to interactive whiteboards, online learning platforms, and Chromebooks. At first it was intimidating, but I learned to embrace it. When used thoughtfully, technology can open up incredible opportunities for engagement, differentiation, and creativity.

Q. Can you share a memorable teaching moment or student success story that has stayed with you over the years?
A. There are so many stories, but one that still makes me smile happened a few years ago with a little boy named Joey. He despised writing during the first few weeks of school; he would argue and complain and even hide under his desk. I worked with him and gently encouraged him. We celebrated every tiny step forward.

One day in the spring, during independent writing, I told the class to put away their writing notebooks and get ready for recess. He looked up and said, “Mrs. Johnson, I don’t want to stop writing. Can I stay in from recess to work on my story?” I put my hand on his forehead and told him I was checking to see if he had a fever. I reminded him that he did not like writing and asked if he was not feeling well. We both started laughing. That’s the kind of moment that stays with you forever.

Q. How have you adapted your teaching methods over time to meet the evolving needs of your students?
A. In my 30 years as an elementary teacher, I’ve witnessed a remarkable shift—not just in education, but in the children who walk through the door each day. Their needs, experiences, and the world they’re growing up in has changed, and so have I. 

I shifted from teacher-centered to student-centered learning. Early in my career, I did a lot of talking—and my students did a lot of listening. Over time, I realized students learn more when they’re actively involved. Now, I build lessons that encourage choice, collaboration, and critical thinking. I want them to do the learning, not just receive it.

I embraced technology (even when it scared me). From overhead projectors to smartboards, from workbooks to Chromebooks—technology has transformed the classroom. I’ve learned to meet my students where they are, using tech as a tool to engage, differentiate, and connect to the world beyond our classroom walls.

I learned to listen more. Whether it’s feedback from students, input from parents, or insights from fellow teachers, I’ve learned to listen. It’s one of the most powerful tools we have.

I never stopped learning. The best way I’ve met the evolving needs of my students is by continuing to grow myself, through professional development, reflection, collaboration, and the wisdom gained from every single student I've taught.

Q. What advice would you offer to new teachers entering the profession?
|A. First and most importantly, build relationships. Your connection with your students is the foundation of everything. Get to know them. Let them know you care. When students feel safe, respected, and valued, they will amaze you.

Second: don’t try to be perfect. You will make mistakes. You won’t get everything right. And that’s okay. Teaching is messy, beautiful, and constantly evolving. Show yourself the same grace you show your students.

Laugh. Have fun. I discovered long ago that children learn more when they’re having so much fun, they don’t even realize they’re learning. Let joy live in your classroom. Be silly. Dance. Celebrate small wins.

Also: find your people. Teaching can feel isolating if you let it. Build connections with colleagues who uplift and support you. You’re never alone in this work.

Finally, remember this: teaching children has been one of the biggest blessings in my life. It’s not just what I do—it’s who I am. I love it with all of my heart. Every child, every story, every challenge has shaped me into the teacher—and the person—I am today.

To all the new teachers just beginning: welcome. You are needed. You are capable. And you are about to embark on the most incredible journey of your life.

Q. How do you maintain your passion and enthusiasm for teaching year after year?
A. I’ve always kept my focus on the kids. Every year brought a new mix of little personalities, challenges, joys, and growth. Their curiosity, humor, and resilience never stopped inspiring me. I also found energy in change—trying new strategies, integrating fresh ideas, and learning alongside my students. Education evolves, and I always tried to evolve with it. But maybe most importantly, I surrounded myself with passionate colleagues and stayed connected to why I started teaching in the first place: to make a difference in children's lives. That purpose has never faded.

Editor’s Note: Mrs. Johnson’s daughter Vivian, who is studying to be a teacher at Central Michigan University, recently received the CMU College of Education and Human Services Learning and Leading Award. “Knowing that I will be stepping out of the classroom while she will be stepping in makes my heart so very happy,” says Johnson.

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MEGAN HINKLE, DEXTER EARLY ELEMENTARY COMPLEX
NEW-TO-THE-PROFESSION TEACHER

Megan Hinkle teaches kindergarten at the Dexter Early Elementary Complex (DEEC). During college, she was a student teacher at Anchor Elementary. After graduating from Concordia University in 2021, she became a long-term sub at Beacon Elementary in a kindergarten classroom. She was soon hired as a full-time teacher, and is in her third year of teaching at the DEEC. She is also an assistant coach for the DHS varsity softball team.

Q. What inspired you to pursue a career in teaching?
A. There has always been a part of me that felt teaching is what I was meant to do, whether it was my love for learning, going to school, or pretending to be a teacher during playtime. What inspired me to become a teacher was the impact that a few incredible educators had on my life. I remember one teacher in particular who made learning exciting and believed in me even when I didn’t believe in myself. That experience showed me how powerful education can be, not just academically, but emotionally and socially as well. I wanted to be that person for someone else. Teaching gives me the chance to help students discover their potential, grow in confidence, and feel supported. That’s what drives me every day.

Q. As a new teacher, what are some of the challenges you've encountered, and how have you overcome them?
A. During my first few years of teaching, one of the biggest challenges I faced was finding my own teaching style and learning how to adapt my classroom management techniques to meet the unique needs of each group of students. I quickly realized that what worked for one class might not work for another, so I spent time observing other teachers, trying out different strategies, and reflecting on what felt authentic to me. Over time, I began to develop a style that balances structure with flexibility, and I became more confident in adjusting my approach to support each class where they were. It’s been a learning process, but one that’s helped me grow tremendously as an educator.

Q. Can you share a moment when you felt particularly proud or fulfilled as a new teacher?
A. One of the moments that really stood out to me was when a student of mine, who was often quiet and disengaged, began to participate and started coming out of his shell. I had been building a connection with him through learning about his interests, checking in regularly, and encouraging him without putting on too much pressure. One day, he raised his hand, shared a thoughtful answer, and even helped a classmate during a group activity. It may have seemed like a small moment, but for me, it was incredibly fulfilling: the effort I was putting into connecting with students was making a difference. That’s when I truly felt like I was meant to be in the classroom. That “light bulb moment” for a student is a part of teaching that always makes me feel proud! I also received two EFD Dread Strong awards my first year of teaching, which totally shocked me! It really warmed my heart hearing the kind words and feeling recognized for all the hard work I put into each student's learning journey.

Q. What support systems or mentorship opportunities have been valuable to you as you navigate your first years of teaching?
A. Dexter does a great job of providing mentorship opportunities and creating a staff community that is beyond supportive. I was given a mentor my first year of teaching who was always there for me to help in any way. On top of that, teachers at the DEEC are able to periodically visit other classrooms as a part of our coaching meetings. These learning walks give us an opportunity to learn from one another and see how other classrooms operate. Being able to consistently share ideas with one another and having someone to go to in times of need have been the most valuable thing to me!

Q. What goals do you have for your teaching career, and how do you envision yourself growing and developing as an educator?
A. As an educator, one of my main goals is to create an inclusive, welcoming classroom environment where every student feels seen, supported, valued, and capable of success. I want to help students not only grow academically but also build confidence, curiosity, and a love of learning. Professionally,

I’m committed to continuous growth! I am hoping to get my masters in reading or social emotional learning. Overall, my goal is to be the kind of teacher who leaves a lasting, positive impact on students, both in and beyond the classroom!

Q. How do you maintain your enthusiasm and passion for teaching, especially during challenging times?
A. I take it one day at a time and go with the flow. During challenging times, there are always certain things that I can or cannot control. Therefore, I focus on the controllables. At the same time, I try to focus on my purpose and why I became a teacher in the first place. I remind myself that even on the hard days, I am lucky enough to make a difference in a student’s life. I also find motivation in the small wins! 

Outside the classroom, I lean on supportive colleagues, continue learning, and make time for self-care to stay balanced. Teaching is a demanding job, but knowing I’m part of something meaningful keeps my passion strong!