Johnson To Receive DAR Outstanding American History Teacher Award

By Cortez Copher, Regent JKP DAR

Mena Middle School Teacher, Thomas Johnson, has been chosen as the 2020 James K. Polk DAR Chapter Outstanding American History Teacher.  He will receive the award Thursday evening during the James K. Polk Daughters of the American Revolution Meeting.

Teachers considered for the award were from both Polk and Montgomery County Schools.

Mr. Johnson, known as Coach Tommy Johnson, received his teaching degree from the University of Central Arkansas and came to the Mena School District in 2005.  Presently he is teaching American History while coaching football and baseball. He fosters a spirit of patriotism and loyal support of our country by serving as the school’s liaison for the VFW Patriots Pen essay contest each fall, and actively partnering with the James K. Polk Chapter, NSDAR, in Constitution Week activities.

In one yearly project in September during the study of the Constitution, Mr. Johnson’s students create posters related to the Constitution, and judging is  not on artistic ability but on knowledge of American history and an effort to portray the meaning of the Constitution and Bill of Rights.

His teaching philosophy is: “I believe that education is a journey that begins but never ends.  Education encompasses an extremely broad spectrum that includes academics and important social skills necessary for success after school.  Teaching American History has given me the opportunity to show students how the past affects our country today.  It is very satisfying to introduce the Constitution and the Bill of Rights and examine the impact these documents have had on our society; past and present.  The great leaders throughout our nation’s history have laid a foundation that will stand the test of time and provide stability for future generations.”

Tommy’s commitment to his students is readily apparent when visiting his classroom. His students enjoy interacting with each other and learning important American history in the process. It was exciting to watch his students in September and October play the “Constitution Quest Game” which was donated by the James K. Polk Chapter.

Johnson’s teaching philosophy is: “I believe that education is a journey that begins but never ends.  Education encompasses an extremely broad spectrum that includes academics and important social skills necessary for success after school.  Teaching American History has given me the opportunity to show students how the past affects our country today.  It is very satisfying to introduce the Constitution and the Bill of Rights and examine the impact these documents have had on our society; past and present.  The great leaders throughout our nation’s history have laid a foundation that will stand the test of time and provide stability for future generations.”

Picture: Mean Middle School teacher, Thomas ‘Tommy’ Johnson was named the DAR Outstanding American History Teacher. Pictured from left to right: Johnson,  Cortez James Copher, Regent of the James K. Polk Chapter NSDAR, and Clifton Sherrer, Mena Middle School. Submitted photo.

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Jeri Pearson

Jeri is the News Director for Pulse Multi-Media and Editor of The Polk County Pulse. She has 10 years of experience in community focused journalism and has won multiple press association awards.

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