Kim Johnston comes from a long line of educators - both her grandmother, aunts, and cousins were teachers. So it was a natural fit for her to start teaching in 1979. Now, in her 40th year at The Lovett School, she is saying farewell to her 2nd graders as she moves into retirement. We sat down and chatted with Mrs. Johnston to learn more about her passion for teaching and the legacy she’s leaving behind.
Q: How many years have you been at Lovett and what brought you here?
A: My teaching career began 45 years ago when I was teaching in the public school system in Clayton County. I carpooled with several teachers to this very large elementary school. When a few of them found jobs in other industries, I knew I didn’t want to make that drive by myself. Since I lived in Buckhead, I heard about an opening at Lovett, interviewed, and took the job. I’ve probably taught more than 800 students over my 40 years at Lovett!
Q. What's your favorite part about teaching at Lovett?
A. There are so many things. I think the first thing is always the children, just the connection and how much I’ve loved them. I love the bond with parents especially when they have multiple children that have gone through 2nd grade with me. Then, most of my dearest friends are people that I’ve met through Lovett. We even have a book club together. So the connections with families and fellow teachers is really special. I just have so many wonderful memories. Sometimes I feel like a celebrity when I’m at the grocery store and little kids are running after me saying ‘Mrs. Johnston, Mrs. Johnston!’ That just makes you feel so good.
Q. How does it feel to be retiring after so many years?
A: To be honest, I’ve kind of been an emotional mess! Because I’ve loved this place so much. Teaching is a passion, so I’m going to miss it terribly. But I also know I can’t keep going because it takes so much energy. And that’s the only way I know how to do this - just come in and give it 100%. So I know it’s time. I know I’ll be coming back to visit the children and teachers.
Q: What legacy do you hope you are leaving with your students?
A: It’s hard as a Lower School teacher to be passionate about every single subject. So for me, I had to just go with my heart and focus on reading and writing, especially poetry - I love the language and rhythm. The kids don’t have to worry “do I have a capital?” or “do I have a period?” Instead it just comes from their hearts. I’ve really loved teaching poetry. So my love of language and reading is what I really hope continues. I think a lot of children leave my room loving to read and appreciate poetry.
Q: What will you miss most about Lovett?
A: I adore reading aloud to the kids. I’m going to miss reading to them so much. You can see when they are really into a book, and they just lean into you and you know when you’ve got them. I’m also really going to miss that connection with kids and all the people at Lovett. But my son went here, so I know I’ll keep in touch because there is that alumni connection too.
Q: What's next? What do you hope to do in retirement?
A: I know I’ll read a lot - I love historical fiction. I like to garden and cook. And my husband and I will travel some. And I’m finally going to remodel my kitchen - something we’ve put off for years! And of course, I have my book club that I will keep up with that includes some of my colleagues from Lovett!
Mrs. Johnston’s favorite books and authors
For kids:
Authors: Cynthia Rylant, Beverly Cleary, and Jane Yolen
Poets: Kristine O’Connell George and Rebecca Kai Dotlich
For adults:
The Nightingale and The Women by Kristin Hannah
Stationery Shop by Marjan Kamali
All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doer
Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt
Becoming Mrs. Lewis by Patti Callahan
Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon
Leadership in Turbulent Times by Doris Kerns Goodwin