Humanities Texas named SAGU alumna Stacee Johnson as one of twelve recipients of the 2009 Outstanding Teaching of the Humanities Award. State Representative Jim Pitts and Humanities Texas Program Officer Liz Bohman Barger presented the award on December 16, 2009.
Humanities Texas presents these awards annually to recognize exemplary contributions in teaching, curriculum development and extracurricular programming. Nearly one hundred and fifty teachers across the state were nominated for the 2009 awards.
Johnson teaches social studies and sponsors student council at J. A. Vitovsky Elementary in Midlothian, Texas. According to Principal Cherie D. Wagoner, Ms. Johnson ensures that “students are given opportunities that go well beyond the classroom doors. She constantly strives to find activities that will inspire our students to think beyond the textbook.”
“I believe that history should not be learned only by textbook or assessed only by answering questions,” Johnson commented. “Students must see the connections between the content and real life. History must be taught using a variety of modes for students to experience it.”
Ms. Johnson utilizes various projects to bring history to life for her students. One project entailed creating a living museum to teach the campus about historical figures and dressing up as colonial residents to understand their way of life.
“We are pleased to recognize such an accomplished teacher,” said Humanities Texas Executive Director Michael L. Gillette. “Ms. Johnson instills the joy of learning in her students and motivates them to achieve at high levels.”
The state affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities, Humanities Texas develops and supports programs across the state, including lectures, oral history projects, museum exhibitions and documentary films.
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