Dina Johnson is a teacher at Hooker High School. She teaches American History to eleventh graders and U.S. Government to tenth graders. Johnson enjoys teaching and making an impact on her students and she says that she chose to become a teacher because of some outstanding teachers she had as a student.

“I had many teachers that made an impact on me while I was a student, but two stand out,” she said. “One teacher was Mrs. Bernadine Samson, who taught high school math.  She was brilliant and demanded that her students put forth work and do their best.  She pushed kids to achieve more than they thought they were capable of. She believed in us. The other teacher who made an impact on me was Mrs. Babs Antholz, who taught Home Economics.  She was a kind, caring, and fun teacher.  We learned from her, but we also knew that she loved us.  Her students could go to her with any issues and she would provide advice and encouragement to help us overcome obstacles.”

Being a teacher allows Johnson the opportunity to see her students grow as learners.

“I enjoy seeing the kids make connections with lessons that are taught in the classroom with current issues,” she said. “I also enjoy seeing them grow up and become these amazing people, who are fulfilling their potential and making a difference in their families, communities, and world.”

Throughout her career as a teacher, Dina has been given different words of encouragement and advice. She has one that she keeps in the forefront of her mind each day.

“The best advice that I was given was that ‘teaching is planting seeds’. I won’t always see or know the impact that I may have had on a student while they are in my class.  Seeds are planted during lessons, but it takes time and maturity for them to grow and develop.”

When she is not teaching in the classroom, Johnson enjoys spending time with her family. Her husband, Travis is a teacher and coach at Hooker High School. They have been married for twenty years and have two children, Jess and Phoebe. Dina also enjoys reading, going to the movies, and traveling.