Johnson Family Celebrates Teacher of the Year

When Sara Johnson was announced as the 2026 Milbank Teacher of the Year on February 12,  her husband Bryan and  her daughter Violet were there to congratulate her.  Her mother Roberta Wagner and her mother-in-law Lynette Johnson –both retired teachers –  and her father-in-law Curt were also there beaming with pride.

Her fellow teachers,  staff, and the Milbank Elementary students also applauded her. Parents, several who were instrumental in her winning the award,  had lavished Sara with kudos in their nomination letters. Comments from the nominations ranged from  “She cares about all of her students and is very accommodating for all students,” “She goes above and beyond for her students…always doing fun projects that relate to the curriculum,” and “She wants all students to succeed in her classroom.” 

Principal Dave Graf of Milbank Elementary School also extended his praise. “Mrs. Johnson is deserving of this honor for so many reasons. She has a student-centered approach and makes decisions based on what is best for all students. Her classroom is a positive environment where students feel safe and heard. 

Graf went on to say, “Beyond her classroom, Mrs. Johnson is a natural leader, collaborator, and mentor. Her dedication to her students and school community is evident in every aspect of her work and we are proud to have her on our team!” 

Sara is now in her 21st year of teaching. The first four years were spent in Columbia Heights, Minnesota, where her inaugural class included 34 fourth -graders. In 2004, she began teaching in Milbank. During her career here, she  took a five-year hiatus, but continued to work as a substitute teacher while raising  Violet; Gus, who  is now an eighth-grader; and Eli, who is now a dentistry student at North Dakota State University.

As the district teacher of the year, Johnson advances to the regional teacher of the year competition. The winner is eligible for the state competition. Read our first story, from February 12, the day Sara learned she was Teacher of the Year. 

Top Photo: Principal Dave Graf, Sara Johnson, Dr. Bryan Johnson and Violet Johnson.
Bottom- back- Curt Johnson, Dr. Bryan Johnson. front-Roberta Wagner, Sara Johnson, Lynette Johnson and Violet Johnson.