Longtime teacher Loritta Johnson, a favorite with many Morgan
Hill residents through the years, is one of 30 teachers of the year
in Santa Clara County.
Longtime teacher Loritta Johnson, a favorite with many Morgan Hill residents through the years, is one of 30 teachers of the year in Santa Clara County.
Johnson, who teaches kindergarten at Nordstrom Elementary School, was among those honored last week in a ceremony coordinated by the county Office of Education. She was recognized for initiating the district’s first special education program, constantly learning new instructional strategies and for over 45 years of teaching.
“It was apparent to me that Johnson was an excellent choice for this award,” said Kathy Yeager, Nordstrom principal.
Teachers from kindergarten through high school in Santa Clara County were chosen for their excellence in classroom teaching. Some contributed as few as five years, while Johnson with the longest teaching history among those chosen, has contributed 45 years of dedicated service to children of Morgan Hill.
Before becoming a kindergarten teacher, Johnson taught special education classes for 20 years, summer school for 35 years and first grade at the Morgan Hill School when it was located where the new Community and Cultural Center stands.
“I used to walk from the Morgan Hill School to Nordstrom with supplies,” Johnson remembered.
That was in the early 1960s around the same time that Johnson initiated the district’s first special education program.
“I piloted the first special education program at Encinal,” said Johnson.
Summer was not a time for rest for Johnson, as she used that time to teach more children.
“I really enjoyed working with the migrant children when I was teaching summer school. I grew up here and was raised with them,” she said.
Johnson said her teaching philosophy is based on learning new instructional methods and routines, and teaming with her students’ parents to help the children learn.
“I like working closely with the parents,” said Johnson.
Parents of her students recognize her commitment to her students.
“Lorrita creates an environment that encourages children to love school and to want to learn,” said Jeff Teddleton, whose daughter, Hanna, is in Johnson’s kindergarten class. “My wife, Pam volunteers at the school and Hanna is our second child taught by Johnson. She gets them excited about going to school.”
“She has a wonderful interaction with the children in the classroom,” said Yeager.
Yeager also said Johnson is an excellent leader and brings good energy and a positive attitude to her students, parents and other teachers.
“She is willing to share her expertise and mentor new teachers,” she said.
Johnson said she is a strong proponent of the literacy program and the Terq program, a curriculum that supports students as they learn to think mathematically as part of her curriculum.
Johnson was presented with an engraved award and entertained by the Children’s Musical Theater of San Jose at the Teacher Recognition Day ceremony Sept. 20.
Born and educated in California, she attended San Francisco College for Women and San Jose State University. Her father was John Bonfante, a founder of Nob Hill Foods. Her mother’s family is the Roccas of San Martin, who were the founders of Rocca’s Market.
Johnson said she is from a family with a long working history and that she is undecided on retiring.
Johnson recently returned from a trip to Italy where she took her three children, their spouses and two grandchildren.
“If I stop working, trips like this might not be possible,” she added, smiling.
Johnson hopes that her reward for continued learning and teaming with parents to work with their children leaves a positive impression on the lives on her students.
“I want my students to feel good about themselves first, to have a love for learning and being in school and to enjoy literature,” said Johnson.
