Good Shepherd teacher: Every child can succeed in school & life, if given the right tools

(Photo courtesy The Good Shepherd School)

Marrero native Cynthia Joseph Johnson attended Fourth Ward and St. Joseph the Worker elementary schools, L.W. Higgins High School, the University of Southwest Louisiana and Our Lady of Holy Cross College. A teacher in Catholic schools since 1979, Johnson’s most recent assignment has had her teaching kindergarten at The Good Shepherd Nativity Mission School (GSS) in New Orleans for the past five years. Her ministries at St. Joseph the Worker Church in Marrero have included being a greeter, lector, extraordinary minister of holy Communion, and working in Communion prep and church beautification.

Please trace your teaching journey for us!

I have always loved children and thought I had a creative gift in working with them. My interest began as a member of the youth ministry at my home church, St. Joseph the Worker. I was inspired by how our youth leaders led and worked with us. It sparked my passion for teaching, learning and creativity. After college graduation, I applied only to Catholic schools. I began my career at my home parish, teaching first through third graders and running the summer camp. I spent 25 years teaching there and only departed because of the closure in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. After Katrina, I taught first grade at Holy Name of Mary in Algiers and was there until the school closed. My next stop was Holy Rosary Academy, where I taught pre-K through second graders with learning differences for 10 years. Working with a new demographic of students pushed me to understand what God was calling me to do and grew me in ways I didn’t expect! It taught me how wonderfully made each child is and that every child can learn if provided with what they need. It helped me to continue to find new and creative approaches to teaching. After Holy Rosary, I was invited to interview at Good Shepherd, and I felt God say, “This is where I want you!”

When I began my core classes at Holy Cross College, I met a career-changing mentor named Dr. Judy Miranti. As the only Black student in my courses, she helped me feel like I belonged, despite adversities. She brought out gifts in me I didn’t know I had, and inspired the love I have for teaching to this day. She taught me how to bring out the best in my students. 

Why do you love The Good Shepherd School (GSS)?

I believe wholeheartedly in the mission of GSS. The students face adversities I haven’t experienced myself, but I approach every day doing for them what Dr. Miranti did for me. I started off as a student facing adversities in the classroom, and someone made me believe in myself. Now, I teach children with different sets of adversities how to believe in themselves. At GSS, I am able to embody what I love most about the Bible – the Beatitudes. I feel like I am a vessel and am making a difference; I am able to see the fruits of my labor, which feels rewarding.

What do you think is the Catholic school difference?

I am able to pray with my students and co-workers, sing Gospel songs, talk about Jesus, celebrate church holidays and show deep compassion for them and their families, as Jesus does for us. It is a safe place for their integrity, mindset and safety. I can openly speak with my administration leaders. I can follow Scripture in my classroom, the Beatitudes, the fruits of the spirit and exemplify what the Bible says about training up a child in the way they should go. It is more than just teaching at a Catholic School; it is a ministry!

Why do you enjoy teaching little ones?

They are like sponges. They take it all in. They are excited about learning new things. You can easily see their growth. They are loving and sometimes look at me as a secondary mother figure. They are happy about school and are proud of what they learn they can do. They are open to learning peaceful ways to resolve conflicts. We can sing, dance, role play and make learning fun. I get to laugh a lot. It helps to keep me youthful!

Do you have any funny anecdotes?

Seeing kindergarteners with walkers, wigs, rollers and suspenders on the 100th day of school gives us all a great laugh. You can see the joy in the students’ faces as they roam the halls walking like they imagine they would at age 100!

Is there a classroom moment that moved you?

Last November, our chief academic officer initiated a book competition called “I Am Thankful” in which each grade level created a book which was judged by the administration. My class made a book using our daily affirmations. Each student had his or her own page in the book, accompanied with a picture of them and an affirmation they chose. In the book, they thanked God for how he made them and used the page to reflect their chosen affirmation with drawings and pictures. The book has become a staple in our classroom library. Months later, the students still read it and are inspired by what they created and reminded of the gifts God has given them. 

I think the biggest one is parents not bringing their children to church. It seems to be more common now than it was in my past years of teaching. Due to the lack of exposure, it can affect children’s understanding of Jesus and the Bible.

What are some rewarding aspects of teaching?

Seeing children master what they thought they couldn’t do or what they thought was difficult feels amazing. I love witnessing them reach their goals. Teaching is more complex now than it was in 1979. The lessons have gotten harder and the expectations have increased. It is rewarding to see what these students are truly capable of learning and doing. It makes me proud, but more importantly, it makes them proud of themselves. There is no greater joy than seeing children believe in themselves.

What lessons have your students taught you?

I have learned to never judge a book by its cover. Every student I have ever worked with has been unique, but every student was capable of learning. I have learned to never say, “They can’t do that!” They certainly can! If given the ingredients and opportunities, students will often surprise you with how much they already know or how much they can do!

The Serenity Prayer. In this field it is important to know that you cannot do it all.

Any final thoughts?

I admire that GSS supports students in and out of the classroom, thanks to Father Harry Tompson’s dream. It goes above and beyond to help students reach learning expectations, while caring for the basic needs of the students and their families. GSS ensures our students are set up to succeed. Every morning we stand in the halls and doorways to greet each student. It is my favorite part of the day because it shows each student we are excited they are here. I love the pledge we say daily, specifically when we pledge to be “the best possible me.” It outlines what students can and should do every day. I love that we feed students three meals a day. I love meeting generous people who use their financial gifts to support our kids. I love how our school follows and supports students throughout high school and college. They are taught that the possibilities are endless and are shown the accomplishments of students who were once in their shoes. I specifically love the weekly planning periods – the research-based strategies, the deep dives into our curriculum and teaching methods, and putting data to use is beyond helpful. GSS has also shown me compassion. My colleagues ministered to me when my mom passed in so many beautiful ways and also when I became ill. I felt the spirit of Christ from them.

– Interviewed by Beth Donze