Mrs. Nancy Johnson
Director of Montessori Early Childhood Program
Pope St. John Paull II wrote to artists that “Artistic talent is a gift from God and whoever discovers it in himself has a certain obligation: to know that he cannot waste this talent, but must develop it.” He said the human commitment to art is an obligation to create "epiphanies of beauty." At SJL Academy we want to give our students the same opportunities to create such "epiphanies." Art at SJL Academy will not be relegated to a "special" but rather will be a core piece of the overall curriculum. The goal of the program is to allow students to be edified by the God-given human capacity to participate in beauty. SJL Academy is blessed to have someone create our art program who has this same passion and purpose in mind.
Growing up in a Christ-centered home with parents who nurtured her artistic inclinations, Mrs. Johnson's passion for fine arts began at an early age. From sketching in her childhood notebooks to exploring galleries with her family, art was an integral part of her life.
After completing her undergraduate studies in the history of art and architecture with minors in studio arts, French language, and Western European Studies at the University of Pittsburgh (yes, multi-talented!), she worked in architecture and design until she felt called to the world of education. She pursued her Master of Arts in Teaching, also at the University of Pittsburgh, followed by a MACTE-accredited Montessori certification from the Center for Guided Montessori Studies.
As she relates, "The Montessori approach resonates deeply with my belief in nurturing individual talents and fostering a love for learning. After teaching at two Montessori schools in Pittsburgh, I was fortunate to join a newly established Montessori and Classical hybrid school, St. Ambrose Academy. There, I witnessed the success of this model and gained an appreciation for Classical education."
In 2020, Mrs. Johnson's family embarked on a new adventure, trading city life for the tranquility of Mukwonago, Wisconsin. Settling on a horse-boarding farm with her husband, Kyle and their six children, she immersed herself in the beauty of nature and the joy of sharing her love of art with her own family. She comments, "Art is easy to find when surrounded by God’s creation!"
We found community at St. Joseph’s Parish in Big Bend, where two of our children attended school, and also at St. James the Less Catholic Parish. Mrs. Johnson learned that St. James aspired to reopen their school and she immediately sought to become involved, participating on the School Founding Committee, assisting in the Montessori classroom set-up, and speaking to prospective families. She is also the author of the academy's brief essay on the benefits of Montessori Education for the young child. She has already contributed much to the mission and vision of SJL Academy! "When Dr. Green approached me", she recalls, "about teaching in the fine arts program, I was thrilled to combine my faith, teaching background, and love of the arts."
In the Montessori Method, the teachers are often called “guides.” That title seems especially appropriate for art teachers. Mrs. Johnson explains, "Every child has the innate desire to create. I hope that I can guide their understanding of the arts, help them develop an appreciation for art history, and provide skills that bring their ideas to life. I look forward to inspiring our students while fostering a deeper appreciation for art within our community. After all, each of us are created in the image of God, the Master Artist."
