Caloosa Elementary teacher named New Teacher of the Year
Julia Johansson has touched the hearts of many children and families at Caloosa Elementary School, from the classroom to the lessons the students took home to share with their families.
For all her hard work, she has been honored with the District of Lee County’s 2025 New Teacher of the Year Award.
Superintendent Dr. Denise Carlin surprised the third-grade teacher with the award last Friday morning, recognizing the newly certified teacher’s significant contributions to the school and the School District of Lee County.
Caloosa Elementary School Principal Ashley LaMar has watched Johansson’s growth throughout the year and is proud of her progress.
“It really begins with the rapport and the relationship she’s established with the students and the families, really creating an environment of caring and developing a desire to learn,” LaMar said.
Johansson always wanted to be a teacher. She was a Principles of Teaching Academy student at Ida S. Baker High School before studying education at Florida Gulf Coast University. All her student teaching assignments were in one of the district’s schools, and she was offered the job at Caloosa Elementary as she was about to graduate last year.
Lamar recalls Johansson’s commitment to becoming a great teacher and her dedication to the teaching community both inside and outside the classroom.
“It’s really a commitment to the students and helping them to develop a love of learning and what they need to be successful, not only for the current school year, but for all the school years ahead of them,” said Lamar.
Julia Johansson’s teaching experience was filled with trials, but she persevered as the year went on.
“So, coming into your first year teaching is definitely a nerve-wracking experience. You’re coming from working with an experienced teacher to taking it all on your own, but this year, I just received so much support through the school and had a mentor teacher who co-teaches with me,” said Johansson.
The 22-year-old teacher walked away from her first year of teaching with a classroom of new friends and a feeling of pride at the impact she had left on her students.
“Just being able to work together and have all that support really allowed me to learn and grow and focus on just being the best teacher I could be this year,” said Julia Johansson. “It’s really exciting and it’s really gratifying because of all the time and effort I’ve put into this year. I speak through the students, and it feels really nice to be recognized for all the hard work.”
With all the success she has seen with her students this year, the road to becoming a teacher wouldn’t have been possible without the immense support she received from her family along the way.
“She brings to the teaching world her personality, her dedication, even in high school, she worked hard with Baker buddies,” said Michael Johansson, Julia’s father. “She sang and has always been involved, school is her life, and I’m very proud as a father that she won this award.”
The award presented to Johansson is given to an individual who has demonstrated exceptional skill and dedication in their roles, earning the respect and admiration of students, teachers, administrators, coworkers, parents and the community.
Julia Johansson’s sister, Ava, has witnessed her sibling’s growth and has directly seen the impact these children left on her sister.
“I think it’s also because she cares a lot about her students that she is able to do everything that she does. She talks about them literally all the time,” said Ava Johansson. “She loves her students a lot, I think that’s also a part of why she does what she does.”
The praise doesn’t stop there. Her peers have been impressed by her work to make a difference in the children’s lives.
“Ms. Johansson consistently demonstrates a level of dedication and passion that sets her apart,” said Caloosa Elementary Assistant Principal Kristin Alton.”Her classroom is a dynamic and engaging space where students feel empowered to learn and grow. She has a remarkable ability to create a positive classroom culture.”
To receive this award, a selection committee composed of principals, teacher representatives and district administrative staff reviewed nominations and identified, interviewed, and selected the finalists for the new teacher of the year award.
The School Board of Lee County will recognize Johansson at its June third meeting.