Photo courtesy Education Foundation of Sarasota County: Kari Johnson.

Let me explain how these relevant dates are linked in the stories of our nation and community.

July 4, 1776
April 23, 1635
July 22, 2021

The first date, of course, marks 245 years ago when our forefathers signed the Declaration of Independence, signifying the start of what would become our cherished nation.

The second date represents a key reason America often is called the “Land of Opportunity”: It’s the day the first public school opened in the then-colony of Massachusetts— 141 years before the Declaration of Independence.

Schools quickly became such an essential part of communities that by July 4, 1776, our illustrious Founding Fathers John Adams, Benjamin Franklin and Thomas Jefferson shared the idea that an educated citizenry and successful republic were inseparably connected.

And the third date? On July 22, 2021, the state Department of Education will pay tribute to those dedicated individuals who “educate the citizenry” by naming Florida’s 2022 Teacher of the Year at a special event in Orlando.

Our community will be well represented in Orlando by our own Kari Johnson, kindergarten teacher at Fruitville Elementary School and Sarasota County School District 2021 Teacher of the Year. Kari was selected to be one of just five finalists from around the state who will participate for the state honor.

Kari is the personification of the ideal teacher we have in mind when we say, “That is a really good teacher.” 

I’ve had the joy and privilege of getting to know Kari and witness as she continues to refine her craft and take advantage of opportunities to grow professionally while preparing herself for the statewide spotlight.

While she proudly and skillfully represents not just fellow teachers but also students and families of Sarasota County, Kari admits to feeling more at home in the kindergarten classroom where she has taught for 15 years. It’s the only job she ever wanted, and “mom away from home” is her favorite way to be known.

Kindergarten has changed a lot since Kari’s early days as a teacher. Then, the highlights of a kindergartener’s day were nap time, lunch time and recess. Now the emphasis is on preparing students to read proficiently in first grade and learn how to get along with others.

Kari recognizes that kindergarten is the beginning rung in the ladder a student climbs toward graduation, and she plays a key role in the shared mission of helping each student succeed. She does what it takes to make her kindergarten classroom a happy place, and her fondest wish is that everyone could see the world through a kindergartener’s eyes.

She is so good at what she does and how she does it that her principal takes new teachers to observe her classroom and student management. 

I think all of us of any age and profession could benefit by noting Kari’s skills and characteristics. Her teaching style is relationship-based and focuses on the individual. She makes each student feel valued and important and meets them where they are in their individual progress.

At the same time, Kari takes inspiration from her students, comforts them when they have meltdowns, and laughs with them at their often-humorous observations.

After all the accolades, Kari maintains her gratitude at being able to flourish in her dream job and continue honing her skills and characteristics.

Please join us in sending the full, united support of our community behind Kari as she goes to Orlando on July 22 as one of five finalists for Florida 2022 Teacher of the Year. She is representing not just Sarasota County Schools and fellow teachers but also the students and families and community at large that she serves with distinction.

Congratulations, Kari! We are proud of you.

Jennifer Vigne is president of the Education Foundation of Sarasota County.

Photo courtesy Education Foundation of Sarasota County: Kari Johnson.