Patricia A. Koch Johns
Nebraska Teacher of the Year
Lincoln High School, Lincoln
Grade 9-12, Language Arts

My teaching philosophy
Teaching is the most important job in our society and in our time. We must personally recognize this importance and strive to do the very best job for our students. It is important to never give up on a student. Teachers must be tenacious humanitarians.

My philosophy in action
In and out of my classroom, I am up and moving, communicating with my students. I want my students to be able to connect what they learn from me to many other subject areas and to the world.

My greatest teaching accomplishment
One of my greatest accomplishments is writing the Nebraska Frameworks for the Visual and Performing Arts.

The most critical issues facing educators today
The most critical issue facing teachers in education today is creating a community, creating relationships with students so they are motivated to learn.

Ways to resolve this issue
We must encourage more young people to become teachers, and these young people must know the value of this profession. We change the world. We create the future one student at a time.

One thought to inspire teachers to succeed
Your students success will be part of the story of your life.

One lesson every student should learn
Your smile can be the motivation that changes a life.

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