7th-8th Science Teacher in Chicago, IL
Acero: Jovita Idár Elementary School
My name is Ryan Johnson and I am the 7th and 8th grade Science teacher at Acero Jovita Idár Elementary School in the Gage Park neighborhood on the southwest side of Chicago, and have been there since 2013. My primary areas of interest lie in constructing and facilitating agency and capacity for English Language Learners to improve outcomes in STEM through community integration, hands-on inquiry-based learning, collaborative learning environments, storytelling, science identities, writing in STEM, finding joy in rigor, and making science education accessible and equitable for all. I am also a student at Loyola University Chicago pursuing my doctorate in curriculum, culture, and communities to help me further these interests and goals.
I grew up in Chicagoland, did undergraduate and graduate work in the Midwest, taught English and science in Thailand for two years, and now live on the far south side of the city with my wife, two dogs, cat, geckos, frog, snake, and a variety of other scaled and slippery creatures. When not in the classroom, I enjoy traveling, running, biking, swimming, gardening, kayaking, cooking, fixing up our old house (this is really that Type 2 fun), and quixotically masquerading with friends and family like we’re younger than our HR files indicate.
A favorite Food Education memory:
Having students get the chance to share their own food memories is always a favorite.
Favorite Food Education Standard:
#1 Food Connects Us With Each Other – Food is present at nearly all of life’s most important celebrations and/or commiserations. We eat to remember, but we also eat to make new memories. It’s something that everyone on the planet HAS to do, it’s a great way to meet new people.
How Pilot Light changed my teaching:
We instituted a school garden, which grew into a full hydroponic growing project to fully capture growing/eating food year-round. This year, we’re expanding by collaborating with another school and simultaneously involving tree-planting and fruit growing.