The TJ Journal staff celebrates everything Betty Johnson has done for them. photo by Emanuel Morales-Gomez
Betty Johnson has been a long time substitute staple of the TJ community.
Any student who has taken a class at Thomas Jefferson High School knows of the beloved Betty Johnson. Johnson is one of the many substitute teachers that comes to TJ when they need coverage throughout the building. Johnson has been coming to TJ since 2020 and has kept coming back ever since.
Johnson has a long history of education behind her with over 35 years of experience. She received her Bachelor’s degree from Peru State College (Nebraska), followed by a Master of Science degree in Reading Clinician degree from Drake University (Iowa), and a second Masters degree in Administration and Supervision Phoenix University. Johnson’s main motivation for getting into education was based on her childhood.
Growing up in a large family with nine siblings, Johnson always enjoyed playing school and oftentimes took on the role as “head teacher.” She would assign her siblings work and lead her siblings in many different lessons. Johnson took on this role because she felt that “there was a need for somebody to want to care about kids.” Growing up in the inner city of Chicago, she had experienced teachers who she felt didn’t care enough about their students and were more concerned about themselves than their students’ education. Johnson wanted to change the narrative and felt that the best thing she could do was become a teacher. “I wanted to make a difference for those kids who felt overlooked or disrespected.” While her mother may have pushed her toward teaching, she doesn’t regret it. “I enjoy teaching, and after 35 years, you’d have to like it to keep doing it. I still wake up every morning excited to go to work and be around the kids.”
She began her career in Nebraska and spent four years teaching there. She then moved to Iowa with her husband where she spent 12 years. For the past 20 years Johnson has been teaching happily in Denver. Throughout this time Johnson has had many roles in the education field. She started with teaching sixth grade and elementary school before moving into becoming a reading clinician for middle schoolers. Her journey continued with roles such as student advisor and eventually principal. With experience across all different age levels Johnson has been able to uncover the challenges and rewards with educating young people.
The most rewarding part of teaching for Johnson is the students, “I love the kids.” When asked why she keeps coming back to TJ she described the school as warm and inviting. “When I walk into the school, I get hugs and greetings from the kids, and even the administrative staff makes me feel welcome,” she shared. “Why wouldn’t I keep coming back to a place like this? It’s a great environment.” The relationships she has built with her students and the faculty over the years at TJ are the main reasons she continues to come back.
Johnson especially enjoys coming to teach in the Careers and Communication Technology (CCT) department. She has filled in many times long term for many of the teachers and throughout this time has become an extension of the CCT family. One of the most meaningful connections she has made is with the Newspaper class. Since her time at TJ, Johnson has been a long term substitute for the class on several different occasions and has watched the class of 2025 go through their high school career. Seniors Max Feierstein and Noah Roetto have both had Johnson since their freshman year. Feierstein described her as, “Super nice and always cares about other people.” Roetto added by stating, “She is just good people.” Senior Emanuel Morales-Gomez has also known Johnson since his freshman year stating, “I love how Mrs. Johnson always brings a good spirit and joy and excitement to her classes.” Johnson has clearly made an impact on many of the TJ students and has created a reputation of respect.
Outside of TJ, Johnson is very active in her church. She sings in the choir, teaches Sunday school, and is a part of the mission department as well. What most may not know about Johnson is that she is an aspiring writer. Currently she is working on a young adult fantasy novel. Johnson is awaiting the novel to be proofread but notes that she is “pretty excited about that.” Johnson also has a deep love for her family. She has been married to her husband Michael for 55 years with whom she has two children. Johnson is also a grandmother to three grandchildren.
What does she want the TJ community to know about her? Simply put: she cares. “I’m just an individual who loves kids and cares about teaching. I care whether or not kids are learning. And my effort is to do my best to make that happen.”
For Johnson, teaching is more than just a job; it has been a lifelong commitment to making a difference in the lives of young people and leaving behind a legacy of kindness and compassion. Johnson is more than just a substitute teacher that comes to TJ, she is an extension of the TJ community and we are so lucky to have her a part of it.
