CHARLES CITY, Iowa - It was an emotional morning for Caley Johnson at Washington Elementary in Charles City on Monday as her former student, Rydyr Baker, presented her with this week's Golden Apple Award.
"It just made my heart stop. It means so much to me, it's just kind of a nice thing,” says Caley Johnson, or as her students call her, Ms. J.
Rydyr was in Ms. J's class last year and it was his mother that actually nominated her for the award. We asked Rydyr why his mom liked his teacher so much last year.
“Because she was nice,” he says.
Ms. J’s current student, Bailey Barrett, echoes that sentiment.
“What I like about Ms. J is that she is so kind,” says Bailey.
As for what sets Ms. J apart.
“Relationships, that's my big thing with the entire community, my kiddos, my parents, is building that positive relationship with them,” says Johnson.
She says by getting to know each child individually, they are better able to excel in school.
“You get to learn how they learn best. You figure out what makes them tick, what motivates them, what makes them become a better learner, become more active in school. If they love school they love learning,” she says.
Congratulations to Ms. J at Washington Elementary.