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Source4Teachers is a leading national provider of educational managed solutions in K-12 schools. Bridgeport has been a district partner of Source4Teachers since 2014.
The award was announced recently on Substitute Educators Day, part of the National Education Association’s 95th Annual American Education Week.
“Substitute Educators Day is an ideal moment to recognize Stacy-Ann and say ‘thank you,’” said Andy Hall, Chief Operating Officer at Source4Teachers. “She plays a critical role in educating Bridgeport’s students, and is truly a model for what a substitute teacher should be – selfless, dedicated and consistently professional. It’s not an easy job and can sometimes go unnoticed, but today we’re hoping to change that.”
Johnson is currently working in a long-term role as an English as a Second Language substitute teacher at the Black Rock School. Since beginning in Bridgeport last February, she has worked in 22 of Bridgeport’s 38 schools for a total of 93 days through Oct. 31, which marked the end of the award period. From Nov. 1 to Jan. 18, Johnson has an additional 46 days of service scheduled, as well.
“There is no greater joy I feel than when helping our children become tomorrow's leaders,” Johnson said. “Teaching was a childhood dream for me, which later became a reality. The importance of substitute teaching is too often overlooked, so receiving this award is truly an honor. It has been a wonderful experience working for Source4Teachers.”
The Source4Teachers Impact Award was created in 2014 to recognize a substitute teacher or school aide from the organization’s national network of 250 partner school districts who has made outstanding contributions in three categories:
- Total number of days worked in a one-year period (Nov. 1, 2015, through Oct. 31, 2016).
- Feedback from the school district that the substitute serves.
- Proven commitment to going above and beyond what is expected of the substitute role.
“When Ms. Johnson started her long-term ESL position in September, the classroom teacher had already left for maternity leave,” said Ana Sousa-Martins, Director of Bilingual Education at Bridgeport Public Schools. “That can make for a difficult transition, but with minimal guidance Ms. Johnson jumped right in and now operates on a level we would expect of a permanent teacher.
"She demonstrates the highest level of professionalism and dedication to our students, and has worked to make a positive impact on their achievement in ways that go beyond the classroom. Although not required as a sub, Ms. Johnson attends all department meetings and has made meaningful contributions to our future goals and strategies. She is a true team player, and the entire school community has been highly impressed with her performance.”
As part of her recognition, Source4Teachers is providing Johnson two financial prizes: a cash award in the amount of $500 and an additional $500 to be donated to the school of her choice, which is Black Rock School.
Johnson graduated summa cum laude from Western Carolina University with a bachelor of science in education. She taught for over six years in the Jamaica Education System and lives in Bridgeport with her husband and two children.
Established in 2000, Source4Teachers recruits, hires, trains, places and manages qualified substitute teachers, substitute paraprofessionals and educational support staff throughout the U.S. For more information, visit Source4Teachers.com.
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