Ashley Johnson named a FOX 9 Top Teacher

Posted on: May 4, 2023

Congratulations Ashley Johnson on receiving a 2023 KMSP Fox 9 Top Teacher Award. 
 

On Wed., May 3, Johnson didn't know why there was a staff and student “all call” for a special meeting in the gymnasium at Delano Elementary School. However, the English Language Learner instructor would soon learn that the “all call” was to honor her as one of the top 10 recipients chosen for the Fox 9 Top Teacher Award. See the story featured on Fox 9.  

 

Brandi Stavlo, a parent of two students at Delano Public Schools (DPS), nominated Johnson for the award. Stavlo met Johnson three years ago when her family moved into the Delano community. At the time, their 2nd grade daughter, Sophia, had frequent exposure to another language and had limited English proficiency. Stavlo admits it was Johnson who helped improve her daughter’s English proficiency and who helped morph her daughter into a confident, empowered girl. “Ashley began working with Sophia and we immediately saw a difference in Sophia's confidence and outlook toward school,” said Stavlo. “I can say with confidence that Sophia's love of learning and school accomplishments can be attributed to working with Ashley.” 

 

In the nomination, Stavlo praised Johnson for being an intelligent, supportive, and amazing teacher with exemplary competence and compassion. She wrote about witnessing Johnson working with students after school hours and during her lunch to help them prepare for an upcoming test or to help them understand an upcoming project. Ashley’s “friendliness, authenticity, and willingness to go above and beyond for her students has gained her the respect and admiration of students and peers alike,” said Stavlo. “She is always looking for ways to support her students, often helping outside of normal school hours. She draws the best out of every student, praising strengths and sharing successes.”

 

Johnson, a seven year veteran of DPS, currently serves students from kindergarten through sixth grade, spending her work day at the elementary and intermediate schools. During her award acceptance, Johnson praised her coworkers and said everyone at DPS deserves the award for their commitment to students. Johnson, who typically works with students for five to seven years, said, "I love that I am able to build a rapport with my students over several years and I feel so fortunate that I get to hear their stories and lean what make them who they are." She currently works with students who speak Russian, Bulgarian, Spanish, Hmong, French, Thai, Ga and Bengali."

 

As a FOX 9 Top Teacher award recipient, Johnson will receive $1,000 from Royal Credit Union for classroom supplies, a pizza party for up to 30 people provided by Papa Murphy's, and a Top Teacher award.