Teacher Tuesday #6: Krystal Johnson!

Krystal Johnson is our founding Kindergarten Lead Teacher at ChangeMakers Academy in Vallejo. In her classroom, not one minute is wasted. Students (even at the age of 5) take ownership over their learning and are incredibly invested and focused in stations, blended learning, and rigorous reading and math. If you haven't seen her in action yet, find time to visit Krystal's vibrant classroom. 

When I asked a parent about Krystal, he said: "She's real patient. And she knows what she's doing. She has it down pat. They love her in there, seriously. When they are getting excited, she settles them down real quick. Also, out of the classroom, she's easy going and someone you can talk to."

All about Krystal.... 
Hi! My name is Krystal Johnson and I am a native of California. I graduated from James Logan High School in Union City, CA and received my BA from UC Riverside. I have been teaching for over 10 years in the elementary grades. I heard about Caliber through a very close member of my family. I had been teaching in Oakland for the past four years and was commuting from Pittsburg/Fairfield. I have always been known to stay where I work for a very long time and never make any moves, but I was being pushed in the right direction by my family, especially my husband. When I visited the Beta campus for my demo interview I knew that Caliber was where I needed to be. All hands were visible in the school to ensure that the day to day operations were fulfilled. After the visit, and my conversations with Maggie, Nenji and Rachael, I was able to make my decision . I am proud and honored to be a part of the Caliber family!

Questions from a recent interview: 
What is your favorite thing about teaching Kindergarten? 
My favorite thing about teaching kindergarten is that students are honest and love you unconditionally. They are forgiving and don't remember the yesterdays as much as we do. You get to see the students start from little seeds and bloom into flowers.

What was your favorite subject growing up? 
My favorite subject growing up was reading. My grandfather taught me how to read by the age of three. He was the first person to take me to the library.

Did you always think you were going to become a teacher? 
I didn't think I was going to become a teacher. I thought I was going to be a doctor, but all that math and science changed my mind!

Favorite candy bar or sweet treat?
I love a good heathy bag of peanut M&M's :) 

If you could go on a dream vacation, what would you do + where would you go? 
If I could go on a dream vacation it would be to somewhere relaxing with blue waters and sand and hot sunshine. I love hot weather. I would just lay on the beach with my sunshades and wait for someone to bring me some cool refreshing drinks!

What is your favorite thing about the Bay Area? 
I like the Bay Area for it's diversity.

What is one fun fact that most people don't know about you?
I am the only child. And I love the beach and roller coasters.