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EDCOE Team Member Spotlight: Janet Johnson
11:33 AM - April 24, 2020
Interview with Janet Johnson:
Briefly describe your background (where you grew up, family, why you came to work for EDCOE).
I grew up in Los Gatos, California, along with my sister and three brothers. It was a wonderful place to grow up with the rule, “Come home when the street lights come on.” I moved up to Cameron Park about 30 years ago. I have three fantastic sons: my oldest is a police officer in Brentwood, my middle son works for FedEx, and my youngest manages a Target in the Bay Area. They are all considered essential employees in this Covid-19 pandemic. All are well and my prayers are that they stay that way. Zoom has been a great help staying connected; I see them more now than before, at least on the screen. I originally came to work for EDCOE because I knew there were many employment opportunities. I also wanted to work for a school in order to have the time off when my children would be out of school as well.
What is your department, title, and how long have you worked for EDCOE?
I am the Senior Secretary at Charter Home Study Academy TK – 8 Program at the Charles Brown Education Center. This is my twentieth year at EDCOE.
Describe how your role helps support programs/schools/students directly or indirectly.
I am in the front office here at CHSA, and I would not have it any other way. I love getting to know not just the students, but also the whole family. I am the person that staff, students, and families come to for assistance in so many different areas, whether it is comforting a student or helping a parent find the correct curriculum needed.
What are you and your team doing to support education in El Dorado County during the COVID-19 facility closures?
As a hybrid homeschool, CHSA had a great digital learning procedure in place before we learned we needed to stay home throughout the remainder of this school year. Steve Bryant, our principal, and all of our staff scrambled that last week we were still coming into work. They set up Zoom meetings, Google Hangouts with their classes, shared many wonderful online resources, and continue meeting students on a regular basis while supporting our families during this stressful time. I am still working on keeping the office rolling along and managing the infamous “other duties as described.”
What do you most appreciate about your department/team?
I cannot say enough about our team. They are caring and giving people; I feel honored and privileged to work beside such thoughtful individuals. We have different viewpoints at times, but that only makes us stronger as a team. We respect each other’s opinion and often solve mighty problems collaborating in the staff room as we eat lunch. We are always saying how thankful we are to be able to work with such a wonderful group of people. When it comes to educating our students and supporting our families, our goals are the same in every way.
What is your proudest moment at EDCOE? Why?
It is hard to pinpoint one proud moment, but I will say it is our annual CHSA Craft Faire. Julie Martinez and I organize and put it all together every year. It is so fantastic to talk with the students afterward. We get to see them realize the rewards of all their hard work as evidenced by the glow on their faces. Our Craft Faire is pretty famous, just ask Dave Publicover, he is our best shopper!
What do you like to do in your spare time?
In my spare time, I love spending time with my family. I also ride my horse, Kitty, any chance I can whether it be out on the trail or in the cutting horse arena. My dog, Marco, is my constant companion these days and we both love it.
What is something many people may not know about you?
This past summer, I traveled to Kona, Hawaii and went on a scuba night dive where I was able to witness the Giant Manta Rays feeding. It was spectacular; they put on a beautiful show resembling a dance of sorts. Another check off my bucket list! I am also a show tune enthusiast.
If you could meet anyone in the world, living or deceased, who would it be and why?
I would love to meet Eleanor Roosevelt. I admire her kindness and caring to all and her humanitarian and civil rights efforts.
From supervisor, Steve Bryant, Principal, Charter Home Study Academy:
Janet is the heart of Charter Home Study Academy. She helps make the entire program run smoothly, whether it’s by helping out a family or student in the office or by helping teachers with the myriad of daily activities. Her warm presence and welcoming nature make her the perfect person to run the office for Charter Home Study Academy.