The Curriculum Specialist That Brightens The Room on Entry

Note from the Editor: This is an article in a series called "Wethersfield Heroes," where our students work to highlight and honor those in our community going above and beyond amidst the tumultuous year. If you know someone that you would like to nominate as a Wethersfield Hero, please contact Mr. Martin at jmartin@wethersfield.me. ​

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By: Gino Santilli 

Sarah Johnson is a Curriculum Specialist at Charles Wright Elementary School in Wethersfield, Connecticut for 11 years, but her role goes way beyond being a Curriculum Specialist, as she is well respected around the classrooms as well as the community. 

Curriculum Specialists are teacher-leaders who, due to their experience and success in the classroom, serve as collaborators and guides for classroom teachers to plan lessons, analyze student performance, model instruction, support differentiation, and so much more.

Her heart is made of pure gold as she is always lending a helping hand, putting others ahead of herself. Johnson is known for her ear-to-ear smile just reflecting positive energy as she enters a room. She always sees the positive in any situation allowing for a good time whenever you are with her. 

When Johnson was asked what her favorite thing to do is, she replied, “I love trying new things with teachers as I am always ready for a new challenge.” This goes a long way because she is always looking for a way to improve herself and others around her.

Johnson is always looking for a way she can help no matter what it is as she is constantly putting others in front of her. She is always willing to help, give advice, teach, or even provide something for a student. Johnson always has an answer for the questions you may have.  

Johnson was asked what her motto is, she responded with a quote from Maya Angelou, “Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better.” This is a very powerful quote as it believes in second chances. Meaning everyone has stuff going on in their life and we cant be so hard on ourselves. 

Johnson truly is a great fit for this role as her kindness comes so naturally to her. She said, “my kindness comes from empathy for others.” She knows everyone has something going on and her job is making everyone’s day a little easier. 

When she sees a kid smile she knows she did her job properly. The feeling is intoxicating to her and describes it as making her happy and hungry for more. She is known for her “happy dance” when there is a job well done, which brightens everyone’s day. 

To truly gauge the presence Johnson’s personality holds, you just need to meet her in person as she is practically the sunshine in Charles Wright Elementary School. As she will never leave a person behind or a kid left discouraged, Johnson is someone who you need to keep around. 

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