Beaufort Elementary's Cely Johnson named Teacher of the Year
Cely Johnson is a true Beaufortonian.
She attended Mossy Oaks Elementary School and Beaufort High School growing up. After earning academic degrees from the University of South Carolina, Lesley University and Winthrop University, Johnson returned home to teach in Beaufort County. Both of her children attended local schools.
And on Sept. 18, she was named the Beaufort County School District's 2015-2016 Teacher of the Year.
"I'm very humbled and honored," said Johnson, who teaches fifth-grade science, math and English at Beaufort Elementary School. "I'm really excited about working with all of the wonderful teachers of the year that have been nominated by their schools."
Johnson, a National Board-certified teacher, was recognized at a breakfast celebration to honor teachers of the year from all district schools at the Callawassie Island clubhouse.
Although Johnson said she was shocked by the win, Beaufort Elementary principal Melissa Holland says otherwise.
"It doesn't surprise me a bit," Holland said. "Cely takes every opportunity she can to go to workshops and events in the community for the betterment of her students."
Holland listed numerous programs and initiatives -- which includes writing curriculum for the district -- that Johnson has participated in since she started teaching in 2005.
"She has a global view of moving the district forward," Holland said.
Johnson, who is in her fifth year of teaching at Beaufort Elementary, believes teachers have a unique job because of their early influence on students.
"We truly shape the future," she said. "We get to lay that foundation for every job."
Johnson was one of five finalists for the district's 2015-16 Teacher of the Year award. The other finalists were Nancy Altman of Mossy Oaks Elementary School, Michelle Hartman of Hilton Head Island High School, Kathleen Sanz of Bluffton Middle School and Bradley Smith of Beaufort High School.
Johnson has several academic credentials to her name. She has two master's degrees, a bachelor's degree, a Lowcountry Teacher Master Naturalist certification and a Gifted and Talented Endorsement.
Holland described her as "a lifelong learner."
"She instills that same philosophy in her students," she added.
In addition to receiving $1,000 from the Foundation for Educational Excellence, Johnson was given the choice between a $5,000 cash prize from the Hilton Head Buick-GMC-Cadillac dealership or that same amount to be applied to a vehicle offered for sale at the dealer's invoice price.
When asked what she would pick, Johnson laughed and said she didn't know.
"I might use it toward getting my doctorate," she said, adding she's not sure yet what degree she would seek. "It would probably be something science- or teaching-related."
Most of all, though, Johnson is excited to be a part of the school system she grew up in.
"I was born and raised here," she said, "so I can't think of any place else I'd rather be."
Follow reporter Ashley Fahey at twitter.com/IPBG_Ashley.
Related content:
- 5 finalists for Beaufort County School District Teacher of the Year announced, August 4, 2015
- Beaufort County names teachers of the year, May 5, 2015
- Whale Branch Middle music instructor named teacher of year, September 19, 2014
This story was originally published September 18, 2015 at 4:26 PM with the headline "Beaufort Elementary's Cely Johnson named Teacher of the Year."