1000 Buccaneer DriveHoover, Alabama 35244

Phone: (205) 439-1200 • Fax (205) 439-1201

Don H. Hulin, Principal

Hoover City Schools

Teacher of the Year Award

Selection Committee

Oct. 31, 2012

"A good teacher, like a good entertainer first must hold his audience 's attention, and then hecan teach his lesson. JJ

I recently read the quote above and immediately thought of Mr. Jeff Johnson, AP Physics (B)teacher at Hoover High School, for Mr. Johnson is also an accomplished actor. Hisclassroom is the stage on which he captures the attention and interest of his students and thenproceeds to engage them in their learning experiences.

As Mr. Johnson's assistant principal, I have witnessed pigs flying, rockets being launched,and ACT questions being answered in "rapid fire" responses. These unique observationshave happened in different arenas. Mr. Johnson has taught AP Physics (B) and (C), IBPhysics, Honors Physics, Biology, Chemistry, Physical Science, and Integrated Chemistryand Physics, and Summer School during his tenure at Hoover High School.

I mention his having taught summer school because this is a setting in which I have seen Mr.Johnson at his very best and this speaks volumes to me. It demonstrates the fact that he hasthe desire and capacity to help ALL students learn and be successful. He also initiated andorganized an ACT preparation program for Hoover High School students who could notafford programs outside the school or who fell into a "category of concern" for success onthe ACT.

From Mr. Johnson's resume (attached), it is evident he is involved in many activities and hasreceived recognition for his accomplishments. However, when talking with him, it is evidentwithin seconds of conversation that his heart and soul - his passion - is teaching students.He loves seeing them learn, being successful, and challenging themselves. His enthusiasmand personality make students WANT to do these things - not only for Mr. Johnson, but tobecome better students.

Our administrative team has been extremely impressed with Mr. Johnson's students' scoreson AP tests. This was an area of concern at one time but with the teaching and learningprovided by Mr. Johnson, the progress and success he has achieved has been truly amazing.His students excel and feedback tells us Mr. Johnson's reputation extends to ScienceDepartments at colleges "fed" by Hoover High School.

At the University of Alabama Physics Competition, the Hoover High School Physics Clubexcels. This club is sponsored by Mr. Johnson. He wanted more students to haveopportunities for involvement in clubs at school and he has grown the membership of theclub from around 15 students to over 75 members! Most recently, the HHS Physics Clubplaced 1st and 2nd in the U of AL competition and landed 4 students in the top 10. Quite anaccomplishment!

It is amazing to watch Mr. Johnson's innovative lessons and to see the students become soengaged in learning. He has a gift for technology and has been a teacher leader in our newHHS technology initiative - using I pads, blogging, posts, etc. - in all his teaching. He findscreative ways to make difficult material understandable and applicable to our students' lives.At the first ofthis year, he demonstrated "real application" for our teaching staff. He ledsessions to help them integrate technology into their teaching and did an exceptional job.

On a personal note, I find Mr. Johnson's compassion to be one of his most endearingqualities. This is shown with students and is evident in his caring manner. An example ofthis is that he brought dinner for my family when I was ill. He also recently served as avolunteer with Helping Hands Across Alabama - a relief effort organized after Alabama'smost recent tornados. When tough times hit, Mr. Johnson is always there to help in any andall situations.

I hope that it is evident from reading this letter that I feel confident Mr. Jeff Johnson is aworthy candidate for Hoover City Schools Teacher of the Year. I feel he will represent uswell on the state and national level- bringing well deserved recognition not only to Mr.Johnson but to Hoover City Schools.

If any additional information is needed, please feel free to contact me atJ<lonQ:(alhoover.k12.al.us or by phone at 205-439-1212.

Sincerely,

Kathey Long

Assistant Principal

Hoover High School - Hoover Hall