Teaching is a profession that takes a special person to do. While it can be rewarding and great to see students become successful, it can also be a busy and tough one to deal with daily. Teachers do a great job of helping each other and Johnna Hayes says that she received some advice that she keeps at the forefront of her mind daily.

“Each student deserves your best, so bring it with you every day,” she said. “That advice is so true. No matter what is going on in your life, do your best to set it aside when you enter the building so that you can make a positive impact on the kids.”

Hayes is the counselor at Stillwater High School for sophomores, juniors, and seniors. Before moving to the high school, she was the counselor at the middle school for ten years.

When she was a student, Hayes had a few teachers that had such an influence on her that it helped guide her to become a teacher.

“I was lucky enough to have several teachers who made a profound impact on me,” she said. “My agricultural education teacher, Mr. Smith, and my English teacher, Mrs. Miller both made a significant impact on my life.”

Part of her job that she enjoys the most is being able help students get the most out of high school that they can.

“I love working with students and their families to make their educational experience the best it can be,” she stated. “I enjoy getting to make a difference for students. Guiding them through post-secondary plans has been very fulfilling. There is nothing like helping a student find their passion and helping them create a plan to achieve their goals.”

In her downtime, Johnna enjoys spending time with her husband and her three children.

“I enjoy spending time outdoors with my family and traveling to new places.”