Scott Johnson, a finalist for 2025 Kentucky Teacher of the Year in the elementary school division, has been an educator for 22 years. Submitted photo
Scott Johnson’s path to becoming an educator was a way to pay forward the inspiration, love and value he received growing up.
“Growing up in Burkesville, Ky., I attended a small elementary, middle and high school, but I had the most amazing teachers,” he said. “They inspired me, they challenged me, they cared about me and they rooted for me. All I wanted to know was that someday, I could make some kid feel genuinely loved and valued like that.”
And he does just that for all his students.
Scott Johnson
Johnson was named a 2025 Kentucky Teacher of the Year finalist and winner of the elementary school teaching division. He received his award at a ceremony hosted by the Kentucky Department of Education on Sept. 10 at the Kentucky State Capitol in Frankfort.
Johnson is entering his 22nd year as an educator and has been teaching at Red Cross Elementary School (Barren County) since 2018. He teaches preschoolers through 6th-grade students about science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics (STEAM).
Johnson said he is a true believer in lifelong learning and encourages students to take risks, be tirelessly curious and know that education is not limited to the confines of classroom walls but rather an immersive experience they can freely pursue.
“I teach wonderful inquisitive young minds about the world around them and how it works,” said Johnson. “We study coding, the work of Sir Issac Newton, the form and function of our bodies and much more.”
Johnson said students in his class have the opportunity to build cars, space capsules and bridges, while incorporating literature, music, art and the love for learning through it all.
“All of my students, all of their backgrounds and their different ability levels, can create in our space,” he said.
Johnson said he intentionally makes sure his lessons show his students the relevance between what is being taught in the classroom and how their education plays a part in the student’s life outside of school.
“We don’t treat our content as a subject or a means to a grade, but rather as information for life,” said Johnson. “This is especially crucial as we try to dissolve the barriers between our school and the real world.”
Recently, Johnson said he has started implementing 3-D printing projects in his classroom. What started as one 3-D printer in the back of the room has now turned into seven 3-D printers for students to use and create projects with the support of their principal.
“Starting in 2nd grade, I introduce students to the software, hardware and general methods of how to design and create products using a 3-D printer. To further encourage them, I don’t put any limitations on what they can do,” Johnson said. “3-D printing is a growing and relevant career field, and my young learners have the tools and knowledge to follow that path.”
Students at Red Cross Elementary are making items like name placards, keychains, animal name tags and Christmas ornaments for staff and students to take home for the holidays. These projects have even expanded beyond school walls into a partnership with the local humane society.
When students worked remotely during the pandemic, Johnson said he noticed the impact not being inside of the classroom had on science lessons. At the time, students were only able to watch his demonstrations, which he said took away from the “ah ha” moments of learning.
“It was then that I resolved to give my distance learning students the same genuine experiences. I would make at-home experiment kits and deliver them to their homes so they could execute them simultaneously on the meets,” said Johnson.
With the help of his own children, Johnson packed plastic bags with materials, resources and tools each week and made deliveries to the students’ homes so they could attend the Google meetings and take part in the labs together.
He said during these labs his students dissected owl pellets, made simple machines, created elephant toothpaste and much more, all while being remote.
“We would hold our meets, conduct our labs together with me at school with students in their homes, collaborating on these important scientific milestones, but now with a more equitable learning experience,” Johnson said. “It was important to me, and it was way more beneficial to them.”
One of Johnson’s colleagues, Candice Houchens said that she has never known an educator quite like Johnson.
“Scott is endlessly patient. From the perspective of a colleague and fellow educator, I cannot begin to tell you the number of times that he has entered my classroom and been successful at working with each child pertaining to their individual needs respectively,” Houchens said.
Houchens shared that through Johnson’s teachings, it is evident that he is an educator who is enthusiastic and passionate about the education he provides with his students.
“Scott goes above and beyond what is required of him by our school and his contract as an educator,” said Houchens. “Being an educator, these days isn’t particularly easy, but he makes it look that way.”
Through Johnson’s work and dedication to the classroom and his students, Johnson said he hopes to encourage students to pursue and explore their dreams, just like he has.
“I stand here today before you all as a testament to the power of dreams,” he said. “I strive every day to help young minds know that there is true power in their dreams, hopes and ambitions.”
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