Educator Spotlight of the Month: June 2021

Author: Junior Achievement of Southwestern Indiana
Community Involvement
Published: Thursday, 27 May 2021

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Image caption: June 2021 Spotlight: Elizabeth Johns

Junior Achievement of Southwestern Indiana gives a spotlight to a local educator every month by publishing an in-depth interview about their JA experience.

JA: What grade do you teach & where?

EJ: I was Principal at Farmersville Elementary from 2014-2020. I have worked as Director of Curriculum, Grants, and Testing since July 1, 2020.

JA: Are you a Junior Achievement Alum?

EJ: Unfortunately, I am not.

JA: How long have you hosted Junior Achievement programs in your classroom/school?

EJ: Junior Achievement provided excellent programs to our students during my time at Farmersville.

JA: Why did you initially choose to have Junior Achievement programs in your classroom/school?

EJ: Junior Achievement has been a tremendous contributor to education in Posey County for quite a long time. I was carrying on the tradition.

JA: What do you enjoy most about having Junior Achievement programs taught to your students?

EJ: The programs provided to students were interesting, relevant, and enriching. Community members came into our school to share their knowledge and the JA curriculum with students. Students enjoyed learning from another adult.

JA: What reason would you give to another educator on why they should have Junior Achievement programs in their classroom/school?

EJ: JA provides enrichment to daily lessons. It also reinforces reading and math standards through interesting subject matter. Students love it!

JA: How do you feel JA relates to what you/other educators teach in the classroom?

EJ: The vast topics shared by JA build students' background knowledge while reinforcing reading and math. Reinforcement in social studies, science, and health are also provided through JA topics.

JA: What value do you feel a JA volunteer provides you and your students?

EJ: The JA volunteer provides an additional adult connection for students. In addition, the JA volunteers' career allows students a look at a potential future job. Lastly, JA volunteers offer additional perspectives and insights to students.

JA: What is one of your favorite JA moments?

EJ: Farmersville hosted a new JA initiative, a Career Fair, before COVID-19. This robust Career Fair sponsored by Posey County business, manufacturing, farming, medical, and law enforcement- judicial partners was attended by students in grades K-5. Students rotated through stations to learn about various jobs and gain interest in possible future careers.

JA: In what ways has the pandemic changed how JA is being taught in your classroom/school?

EJ: COVID-19 made quite an impact on the JA Program! Being on the JA Advisory Board, I do know that careful consideration was given to provide programming to students using creative measures like virtual instruction and providing classroom teachers with materials to continue JA enrichment.