Webbers Falls Public Schools math department head Meghan Johnson is always thinking, “What MORE can we do for our students to expand their horizons?”
So the high school math teacher started an after-school robotics club and began introducing students to computer coding in an after school club. She made chess a small part of the algebra curriculum. And, when possible, includes origami into the math curriculum.
“I use origami to reinforce Geometry concepts as well as introduce students to an art they might not otherwise be exposed to,” Johnson said.
The innovative math teacher was named the High School Educator Merit Award Winner by the Professional Oklahoma Educators Foundation. The award was presented at the foundation’s Excellence in Education Awards banquet on April 30 in Oklahoma City.
In addition to teaching at the high school, Johnson also teaches math to 5th and 7th graders.
For nearly 30 years, Johnson has taught math. She pushes for higher level thinking, sets high goals and daily demands the best from students.
Johnson has been at Webbers Falls Public School for two years and taught at Muskogee High School two years. Prior to teaching in Oklahoma, Johnson taught in Oregon. She earned her Master of Science in Education from Western Oregon University in Monmouth, Oregon and her Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from George Fox College in Newberg, Oregon
“She is an all around great teacher teaching not only the required content area, but also what it takes to be a great human,” said parent Tia Shelby. Johnson has taught both of Shelby’s boys.
According to Webbers Falls principal Lisa Ward, Johnson is an extraordinary teacher. “Her passion and enthusiasm for education are unparalleled by most teachers. She works tirelessly to help her students succeed, and never gives up on even one student.”
The Excellence in Education Awards Banquet recognizes and rewards Oklahoma educators who demonstrate a commitment to their students in teaching strength of character and excellence in the school or classroom. Award nominees must go through a rigorous application and evaluation process. According to POE Foundation Executive Director Ginger Tinney, “These awards serve as an encouragement to not only Oklahoma educators, but also to the many businesses, organizations, and communities that have a stake in the character building and intellectual development of the children who will shape our state in the future.”
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About POE Foundation: The Professional Oklahoma Educators Foundation is a nonprofit that serves as the charitable arm of Professional Oklahoma Educators. The Foundation serves as a support organization for POE and provides valuable educational training and services to teachers and students across the state. The POE Foundation is dedicated to promoting a world-class education for all Oklahoma students.
About POE: Professional Oklahoma Educators is the fastest-growing education association in Oklahoma. POE is a non-union, nonpartisan professional association for all school personnel. POE members receive professional liability insurance, legal services, and lobbying representation. It is our commitment to these valuable services that make POE a positive and unmatched option for education employees in today’s teaching environment.