Meet New 3rd Grade Teacher Ms. Johnson!

posted August 25, 2025

Krista Johnson joins us this year to teach 3rd grade. Ms. Johnson recently graduated from William Penn University in 2024 and began her teaching career as a long-term substitute for 7th–8th grade Science at Fairfield Middle School during the 2023–2024 school year. This past year, she served as a District Substitute for the Cardinal Community School District, gaining valuable experience working with a variety of grade levels, subjects, and classroom settings. Ms. Johnson feels that these roles have strengthened her classroom management skills, instructional strategies, and adaptability, preparing her to thrive in her first full-time teaching position. We asked her some questions so you could get to know her a bit before the school year begins. 

Why did you want to teach at Cardinal?
I want to teach in Cardinal School District because it’s clear the district values both academic excellence and a supportive, close-knit learning environment. I’m drawn to the way the district prioritizes strong relationships between teachers, students, and families, and I admire its commitment to preparing students not only for academic success but also for personal growth. I believe my teaching philosophy—fostering curiosity, encouraging critical thinking, and meeting each student’s individual needs—aligns closely with the district’s mission. I’m excited about the opportunity to contribute to a collaborative team of educators who are dedicated to making a meaningful difference in their community.

What do you like about teaching 3rd grade?
I’m especially excited to teach 3rd grade because it’s such a pivotal year for students academically and socially. At this age, students are becoming more independent learners, yet they still have a strong sense of curiosity and enthusiasm for learning. It’s rewarding to help students gain confidence, take ownership of their learning, and develop a growth mindset that will carry them through the rest of their school years.

What is your favorite part of teaching?
My favorite part of being a teacher is building meaningful relationships with my students and creating a classroom where they feel seen, supported, and valued. I love getting to know their unique strengths, personalities, and interests, and using that connection to inspire their learning. It’s incredibly rewarding to see those “lightbulb moments” when something clicks, and to watch their confidence grow as they realize they can achieve more than they thought possible.

What is your ultimate goal as a teacher?
My ultimate goal as a teacher is to help students grow into confident, capable, and compassionate learners who believe in themselves and their ability to succeed. I want to create a classroom environment where students feel safe to take risks, ask questions, and learn from mistakes—skills that will serve them both in school and in life. Beyond academics, I hope to inspire a lifelong love of learning and the understanding that they have the power to make a positive difference in the world.

What do you hope students take away from your class this year?
I hope my students leave my class this year with confidence in their abilities, a stronger love for learning, and the belief that mistakes are a natural and valuable part of growth. I want them to know that they are capable of tackling challenges, that their voices matter, and that kindness and respect are just as important as academics. Most of all, I want them to remember that their teacher believed in them every step of the way.

Fun Facts/Hobbies:
I’m a proud mom of five wonderful children and a Grammy to four amazing grandchildren, with another sweet grandson arriving in December. I’m engaged to my fiancé, Dwayne, and we just visited Georgia this month, where we plan to get married. Family is at the heart of everything I do, and I love spending time with them whenever I can. We also have a sweet family dog named Cookie—a pocket pitbull who’s full of personality. I enjoy watching football, love decorating for the Christmas holiday, spending time outside in the fall months, and traveling when possible.