Ms. Philena Johnson, the new ninth grade literature teacher, is elated for her first year at Chamblee. Although this is her first year, she already feels comfortable in her new classroom with her new students, having taught at other schools previously.
“I taught in Henry County, Georgia and at Sequoia Middle School. I’ve also taught in schools in North Carolina and in Tennessee,” said Ms. Johnson.
Some of her students have found the experience that she has in education to be very impactful to their learning so far this year.
“I noticed that she seems more experienced as a teacher and everything seems pretty organized. I think [organization] greatly helps [my learning],” said Rebecca Savage (‘29).
Samuel Lindsey (‘29) agreed, remarking on how an experienced teacher can make a difference in a learning environment.
“The way she conducts herself and the way she conducts the class is telling of somebody who knows what they’re doing,” said Lindsey.
With her past experience in education, Ms. Johnson has encountered many different students, yet has found ways to connect with each of them in the classroom.
“I do interactive activities with Pear Deck, so [the students are] not just sitting and watching a PowerPoint, but actually interacting with it,” said Ms. Johnson.
She found that this interactive approach on lessons allows for students to understand the content more thoroughly, as well as nurture the students’connections with one another. When asked about their thoughts on group assignments, Ms. Johnson’s students explained how it impacted their own learning.
“I think [collaborative work] helps because you get other people’s input too,” said Lane.
Along with collaborative assignments, Ms. Johnson also uses many visuals in her classroom setting. Some students find this way of teaching beneficial to them, with this approach matching their learning style.
“I’m more of a visual learner, and she seems to have a lot of presentations and things like that,” said Savage.
Visuals in the classroom also help Annabelle Lemberg (‘29) to remember key information.
“She not only shows everything, but also has it in writing, so I can see it and read it, which helps [me],” said Lemberg.
Other students find her attentiveness in the classroom to be a large factor in their learning.
“She attends to all of [her] students […] and she doesn’t just focus on all of us as a group,” said Grayson Baker (‘29).
Looking back to when she was a student, Ms. Johnson draws inspiration from her past teachers.
“I had a teacher who taught social studies, and she made everything about history almost like a soap opera. It was so interesting; I try to do that [in my classes],” said Ms. Johnson.
Ever since she was in school, Ms. Johnson has had a fondness for literature, a love she hopes to share with her students.
“I loved literature,” said Ms. Johnson,“and [I] decided to become a teacher to hopefully convey that [love] to other people.”
Similar to her students, Ms. Johnson also participated in many extracurriculars during her student-life.
“I [played clarinet] in band [and] was drum major in high school,” said Ms. Johnson.
As the year begins, Ms. Johnson expressed her enthusiasm to teach at CHS.
“[Chamblee] is truly a great place,” said Ms. Johnson, “with great students and a great faculty.”
