Volunteer Spotlight: Maxine C. Johnson

Former teacher continues to impact the lives of students with weekly reading sessions

Former Austin ISD teacher Maxine C. Johnson may have retired from teaching, but she is still making a difference in the lives of students in Pflugerville. As a community volunteer, Johnson spends several hours each Wednesday reading to third grade classes at Windermere Elementary.

"I look forward to coming to Windermere to see the twinkle in the eyes of the students and hear the delight in their voices as we read and reflect on that day's book," Johnson said.

A retired English teacher, Johnson has been preparing children for the future since before Austin schools were desegregated. She taught at Anderson High School until 1979, when Austin schools began to integrate. When she was transferred to Travis High School, she was the first African-American teacher in the English Department. While at Travis, she was named teacher of the year two times.

Johnson first got involved with Windermere Elementary as a volunteer when her grandchild, Jaylin Sweat, was a student at WES. Although Sweat is no longer at Windermere, Johnson is still a fixture at the school.

"The opportunity to read to these students is something I cherish," Johnson said.

Her community service doesn't stop when she leaves the halls of Windermere. Johnson also gives her time at Heritage Park Nursing Center, the ministry at Greater Mt. Zion Baptist Church, and Zachary Scott Theater.

Windermere assistant principal Cloteele Brinson sees the impact Johnson has on the students, as well as the impact the students have on Johnson.

"It is definitely a love-love relationship," Brinson said. "Mrs. Johnson brings a great spirit onto our campus, and the students feed off that love of learning, and she feeds off their excitement to see her."

Johnson encourages other community members to find a way to get involved in their local schools.

"Our public schools do a tremendous job educating our children," Johnson said, "but seeing members of the community take the time to be involved makes an impact on children. It shows them we are all in this world together."

To learn more about volunteering in Pflugerville schools, contact the Pflugerville ISD Community Partnerships Department at 594-0090.

posted 02/18/08

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