Alan Johnston joined TFS in the 2022-2023 school year and is currently in his third year as an 8th-grade science teacher. A tenured educator, Mr. Johnston brings decades of experience and innovation to the TFS community. In addition to 8th-grade science, Mr. Johnston is an 8th-grade team leader, National Junior Honor Society Advisor, and Science Olympiad coach.

“Working with Mr. Johnston has been an incredibly rewarding experience – he is both inspiring and collaborative,” shares fellow 8th-grade teacher Patsy Thieken. “Alan has a natural ability to foster an inclusive and supportive environment where ideas are valued, and teamwork thrives.”  

Mr. Johnston earned his bachelor's degree in biology from Bellarmine University in Kentucky and his master’s degree in secondary education from the University of Cincinnati. His first three years were spent teaching at middle and high schools in Cincinnati, followed by 2 years teaching 7^th and 8^th grades in Guam. For the next 19 years, Mr. Johnston taught 6^th, 7^th, and 8^th grade at Our Lady of Lourdes. For 20 years, Mr. Johnston has coached Science Olympiad teams. He is a 2-time Lewis Award finalist, which is awarded for excellence in teaching by the Catholic Schools of the Diocese of Raleigh. 

Mr. Johnston begins each class with a starting question (STQ), which reviews a concept or introduces a new one. He then starts either reviewing a concept or introducing a new one. Students take notes, one paragraph at a time, while Mr. Johnston uses examples to help them understand and remember the information. He tries to share personal experiences, show pictures, or tell them about current research to help them remember. At least once a week, Mr. Johnston holds a lab to reinforce key concepts for the chapter, whether that be a hands-on science project or observing a simulation. 

One of Mr. Johnston’s trademarks is using real-life examples of the science concepts they are studying. “Mr. Johnston plans fun labs that students enjoy and provides real-world application for the material they cover in class,” says Kristen Dellasega, a fellow 8th-grade teacher. 

Assistant Principal Colette Dziadul comments, “When Mr. Johnston started, he jumped in with both feet, wanting every student to learn how to apply and connect concepts to others until they see the big picture of how things all fit together. His teaching style focuses on students using the information to solve real-life problems.”

Mr. Johnston loves interacting with the students each day. “I love sparking their curiosity and hearing the questions they come up with as they put concepts together,” shares Mr. Johnston. “In my 25^th year teaching, I feel that 8^th grade is special because it is the last year before high school, and there is so much to prepare them for.” 

In addition to his dedication to science and learning, Mr. Johnston’s co-workers believe his sense of humor often captivates his students the most. “His sense of humor and approachable demeanor make the classroom an enjoyable and safe space for students to ask questions and explore new concepts,” shares Mrs. Thieken.

Thank you, Mr. Johnston, for letting us peek inside your classroom and into your heart for our students.