Johnson fulfills dream as educator
Begins first year as principal at Cooper Elementary in FDBy JESSE HELLING Messenger staff writer
Article Photos
For Marlene Johnson, the question of what she wanted to be when she grew up was settled early.
''When I was 3 years old, I used to play 'Teacher' with my dolls,'' said Johnson. ''I knew this was my calling.''
Johnson has spent more than 20 years in the educational field.
This year, she begins her tenure as principal of Cooper Elementary School in Fort Dodge. She replaced Mike Woodall, who transferred to Butler School.
Before coming to Fort Dodge, Johnson was principal of the Manson Northwest Webster elementary and middle schools.
A native of Hubbard, Johnson began her teaching career in Dows.
Prior to working in school administration, Johnson was a classroom teacher for 17 years. She said that the move to Fort Dodge was good for her professional and personal growth.
''I had a principal who thought I would make a good principal,'' said Johnson. ''I thought it was a way I could make a difference with even more children.''
One of Johnson's goals is to make Cooper a learning oasis, as she put it, for her students.
''I want to help them grow,'' she said.
As a principal, Johnson said her style is not to spend the day in her office.
''I like being in classrooms, being present and visible,'' she said.
Johnson formally began her work with the Fort Dodge school system on July 23.
Prior to the first day of classes on Aug. 20, she helped get the building ready - including opening up a glass wall between her office and the school's main corridor so that she can see out and the students can see in.
Johnson said she got to meet Cooper's teachers as they worked to put their classrooms together.
''We have a very dedicated staff here,'' she said. ''I want to help the teachers feel comfortable.''
Contact Jesse Helling at (515) 573-2141 or jhelling@messengernews.net
