This school year Potosi High School has welcomed many experienced new teachers, including a new Industrial Arts teacher, Mr. Eric Johnson.
Mr. Johnson is a devoted husband to his high school sweetheart, Lindsey (O’Hanlon), and father to Landon (16) and Zachary (14). Both boys are active in school sports and are excited for their first seasons as Potosi Trojans!
Mr. Johnson graduated from PHS in 2001. After graduating, he attended Mineral Area College, earning his Associate’s Degree in Computer Networking. After spending a short time working in the construction industry, he resumed his education at Southeast Missouri State University, receiving his teaching degree. Mr. Johnson has been teaching for 16 years. He spent the first fifteen years of his career in the Farmington School District, before returning to his Alma mater this year.
Mr. Johnson works hard every day to be a good teacher and coach. He wants to make an impact and build relationships with his students. While in school, he had teachers and coaches who impacted him in many positive ways, filling gaps he experienced during his childhood. He became a teacher because he knew he wanted to give back and work with kids to help them become their best.
PHS Junior Peyton Rowe said, “ I like Mr. Johnson’s class because it allows everyone who may not be able to do woodworking on their own to have a chance to do it. It gives them a chance to learn the basics. You get to learn how to use all the tools and techniques of woodworking with the help of Mr. Johnson who makes it fun and easy. And you get to make cool stuff you can use in your life.”
Throughout his teaching career, Mr.Johnson has been credited with many accomplishments. In 2019, he was named Farmington School District’s Teacher of the Year. He also is very proud of the relationships and connections he has made and the impact he has had on his students and his co-workers.
PHS Teacher Mr. Fulton said, “ He brings experience and dedication, he is willing to share his knowledge to help bring about a positive culture and collaboration to better our school and student learning.”
Mr. Johnson said one of his most memorable moments is the relationships he has formed over the years. He said, “ I had a lot of really good kids in my homeroom class that I have had connections with, and now that they have graduated, I am still able to keep in touch with some of them.”
Mr. Johnson hopes to build relationships with his students and help them to grow and mature and hopefully prepare them for the future. He wants to help them build character, teach them valuable skills, and how to be a good person who makes good choices.
PHS Sophomore Lucy DeGonia said, “ I like Mr. Johnson’s class because he is a very nice and patient teacher. Going to his class is like a break from all my other classes because it is a fun class. I look forward to his class every day and am happy to learn new skills daily.”
Mr. Johnson is not only a teacher, he is a coach. This spring, you will see him in purple and gold as the assistant baseball coach. Mr. Johnson said, “I am really looking forward to this season. I really enjoy working with a small group of kids on a sport that is not only fun but also challenging.” He hopes to teach his players how to overcome adversity and give their best at all times.
Outside of school, he likes watching movies. Especially Lord of the Rings. And of course, he likes watching baseball. He watches the Cardinals and his two sons Landon and Zachary. Mr. Johnson is excited to be back at Potosi and hopes to make a positive impact on those around him.
