Scott Johnson, 'All-Around Good Guy,' is Pleasantville Teacher of the Year

"Scott is an amazing teacher. He's dedicated, he's always professional and an all-around good guy. He truly is a class act all the way."

Lorraine Kearney, president of the Teachers Association of Pleasantville (TAP), was one of many colleagues who praised Pleasantville High School English Department Chair Scott Johnson as he was named teacher of the year April 16.

Superintendent Mary Fox-Alter became emotional as she announced Johnson's award alongside Board of Education President Lois Winkler.

"Scott is, on so many levels, an amazing teacher, a fabulous author, a terrific parent, a friend and a colleague that I have known for 23 years," Fox-Alter said. "Every time I step into Scott's classroom, I [see] the celebration of literature, the love of learning, and the joy, the sheer joy, of teaching. His classroom is a celebration of those three."

Winkler, Fox-Alter and Pleasantville Mayor Peter Scherer also recalled hearing their own children speak highly of the time spent in Johnson's classroom.

"[My daughter] still enjoys telling her friends about her inspiring teacher Mr. Johnson," Winkler told him. "You bring your love of learning and your passion to your students and they never forget it."

Virginia Mancini, chairperson of the Social Studies department, shared an original poem she wrote about Johnson; while Winkler presented an award on behalf of Westchester County Executive Robert Astorino. April 16 was named Scott Johnson Day in the County.

Scherer also announced April 17 was Scott Johnson Day in Pleasantville.

"He inspires the school, he inspires the community, he inspires all young people," said PHS Principal Dawn Bartz.

Johnson, who had earlier in the meeting joked of his verbose nature, responded to the accolade by saying he was "pretty speechless."

He thanked the administrators for encouraging teachers to teach "what is right for our kids."

"Best of all, most of all, it's the kids," he said. "They are the real fountain of youth—or at least they make you feel like you're young. Just seeing the smiles on their faces every day is a joy."

Like us on Facebook | Follow us on Twitter | Sign up for our newsletter