Ammer Johnson, teacher at Lockeford School, honored as a Classroom Hero

On Dec. 9, the Lodi News-Sentinel honored Ammer Johnson as a Classroom Hero at a ceremony held at Hutchins Street Square before the concert given by the Lodi Community Band.

The Learning Link Program of the Lodi News-Sentinel had invited both adults and children to send in letters about a teacher who is very special to them, and the administrative staff of the News-Sentinel selected the most heartwarming and inspirational letters. Jazmin King nominated her fifth-grade teacher, Ammer Johnson, of Lockeford School.

She wrote: "Mr. Johnson is my hero teacher. He helped me a lot when I had trouble with math. He made a math intervention class to help kids like me. He has also been like a dad, which I never had, for me and my friend Marisa. He is always there to make me laugh. I've had a good time in his class and I've raised my grades in all subjects, especially math. I'm, so glad Mr. Johnson is there for me."

Jazmin's grandmother, Betty Wahl, included a note with Jazmin's nomination. She wrote: "I too consider Mr. Johnson a hero as he has rescued Jazmin (and many others) from failure, maybe even a lifetime of failure. Last school year she was constantly struggling with her schoolwork even to the point of physical illness and she was absent from school many times. I was a witness to this hopeless and sad situation. Then this year — and Mr. Johnson! It's like a miracle, a complete turnaround. Jazmin has improved in all academics, loves to read now and willingly attends the math intervention class held by Mr. Johnson early in the morning before school starts. If she can't finish her homework at night, she sets her alarm and gets up extra early to finish it. She never wants to miss school and her tummy aches and headaches have ceased. Mr. Johnson of Lockeford School was to retire last year but I'm so glad he didn't. If anyone deserves this award it is Mr. Johnson. Only God knows how many lives have been improved because of this special, incredible teacher."

Johnson was born and spent his early years in Little Rock, Ark., where he graduated from the Philander Smith College with a Bachelor of Arts in sociology. He had planned on becoming a sociologist but soon found that, due to segregation policies in the South at that time, this field was not open to him.

When he was unable to find work in his chosen field, he took a temporary position as a substitute sixthgrade teacher in Sweet Home, Ark. It was then that he realized that teaching was his "calling."

He continued his education at the University of Arkansas, where he received his master's degree in Educational Administration.

His first full-time teaching assignment was with the Little Rock School District at Gibes Elementary School. It was the same school he had attended as a child.

Mr. Johnson is married and the father of four children. The family moved to this area in 1980, when he was hired by the Lodi Unified School District and assigned to Lockeford Elementary School.

Johnson said, "When I start my day at 5:30 a.m. I can hardly wait until I can get to school to start working with the children. But first, I feel it's important that I spend 30 minutes or more reading the Bible, in prayer and meditating so that I can always be positive. I get to school at 7:15 for a full day of teaching. At 7:30 a.m. I teach a math intervention class and I have a Homework Club after school from 2:45 to 3:45, Monday through Thursday. I teach sixth-grade multiple subjects with the exception of P.E. and music. I never tire of being a teacher. My goal is to work a few more years until I will have taught for fifty years."

This outstanding teacher has received five awards as listed by the Who's Who Among America's Teachers. He has been nominated two times as the Disney Educator of the Year and Lockeford and Clements honored him as "Citizen of the Year 2001."

He also served his country for 11 years, with the U.S. Marine Corps 6th Rifle Company in Little Rock, Ark.

Reader Feedback

KW wrote on Jan 16, 2008 4:28 PM:

" Mr.Johnson, I was one of your students many, many years ago, but I have never forgotten the impact you had. My family and I were going through difficult times, and you let me know in your own ways that you understood. You never cut me any slack, but showed your support and to this day I am still grateful. Eventhough I have had many teachers over the years and am finishing college, I will always remember you as one of the best!!! Thank you for all you do. "

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jmelo wrote on Jan 16, 2008 11:17 AM:

" The Melo Family would like to congratulate Mr. Johnson! A wonderful award for an amazing teacher. Mr Johnson is not just a classroom hero, but a hero for life. His students take with them his knowledge, wisdom, his life experiences, for their whole lives. Mr. Johnson leaves an undeniable mark on all those that are blessed to know him. Thank you Mr. Johnson for giving all three of my children such a wonderful role model. If there were more teachers like you, that cared about their students the way you do..then we would live in a country where true enlightenment is a reality. Congratulations! "

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neva wrote on Jan 16, 2008 8:58 AM:

" Mr Johnson... I was not one of your students, but i have memories of being at lockeford school 14 years ago.. you were always so happy, a huge smile on your face at all times, the best thing ever.. you were always singing a song. You turly are a great person. You greet all your past students till this day even if its been 14 years. Your the best and this award was well deserved.. You have changed many lives.. Keep it up Mr Johnson !!! "

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