We are back for another year of Warriors You Should Know. I know that many of you have missed these posts over the summer and are excited to learn more about our Warrior staff. This week’s Warrior You Should Know is Montrine Johnson. Montrine as most of you know is our new Assistant Principal and is filling the role of Rebecca Schreiber who retired at the end of last year. Montrine is no stranger to District 204 and so it is no surprise that she has already hit the ground running and is looking to have a big presence when it comes to curriculum and instruction. I hope that you have already introduced yourself to Montrine, and if you haven’t please be sure to do so after reading more about her below.
What do you do here at WV? What is your title/description?
Assistant Principal for Curriculum and Instruction
How many years of experience in education do you have?
17
Where have you taught before WV?
5 years at NV as English teacher, 1 year as English teacher in Georgia, 3 years at Glenbard West as English DC, 2 years as a dean at Glenbard West, 2 years as a dean at Naperville North and 4 years at Neuqua Valley as Assistant Principal for Student Services
Why did you get into education?
I absolutely love students, and I am passionate about ensuring that all students have a wonderful educational experience that allows them to be successful beyond high school whether that be college, technical school, military or career. I want to prepare students with the skills they need to follow their own pathway.
Where did you go to high school?
R. L. Osborne High School
Where did you go to college?
BA – Georgia State University; MA – Lewis University
Where do you get inspiration from?
My parents; My parents did not attend college but they taught me the importance of hard work and how important it is to treat others the way you want to be treated.
Is there a student that you will never forget?
Yes, my first year of teaching freshmen English the student brought a cap gun to school. He used the cap gun in a persuasive speech. He was suspended and eventually placed off-site for a period of two years. He was a good kid who made a poor decision. Although he was suspended, he was able to return to school in two years and he successfully graduated. I remember that day just like it was yesterday. I saw him a few years after high school and he apologized for putting me in such a difficult spot.
Favorite book?
Secret Life of Bees & The Color Purple
Favorite Song/Artist?
Anything by Prince or Michael Jackson
Favorite Food?
I absolutely love Mexican food. I have never met a taco I didn’t like.
Favorite childhood teacher and why?
Mrs. Finn – she inspired me and gave me the confidence I needed to be successful. I am a teacher because she was a kind trusted adult in my elementary school career.
When not at school, where do you like to spend your time or what do you like to do?
I am the proud mother of 4 boys so I spend most of time attending their practices and games.
What are your future goals?
I eventually want to be a principal when my youngest son (6) graduates high school. I have got a long time to prepare for this future goal, 12 years to be exact.
Who do you live with? Spouse, kids, pets, etc.
I live in Aurora with my husband and our four handsome boys – pics of my boys are in my office. Please stop by.
What did you do this summer?
Road trip to Maryland, Philadelphia, New Jersey and finally Cape May – we were able to see most of my husband’s family.
What is your goal for this school year?
My goal is to support our instructional leaders and teachers by providing rich PD opportunities that will transfer to the classroom and lead to student engagement and authentic assessment. Additionally, I want to provide opportunities for our teachers to observe teachers throughout the building. I also want to increase the social emotional well-being of our students and encourage them to grow academically and socially.
Be sure to say hello the next time you see Montrine and be sure to give her a nice Warrior Welcome.