Allene Johnson facts for kids
Allene Johnson (born April 20, 1933) is a retired chemistry teacher. She taught in the Summit, New Jersey school system for over 40 years. She helped many students learn about science.
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Her Early Life and Teaching
Allene Johnson grew up in the southern United States. She was one of six children. At that time, schools were separated based on race. She went to Brunswick County, North Carolina High School. In 1954, she earned her bachelor's degree in Chemistry from North Carolina Central University.
Her first job was teaching high school in Shallotte, North Carolina. It was hard to get supplies back then. She had to buy her own chemicals and equipment from a drug store. She used these to create her own science labs for students.
Later, she studied at Ohio State University to get her master's degree. In 1963, she moved to New Jersey. She taught in the Summit school system until she retired in 1997. That's over 30 years of teaching in New Jersey!
Helping More Students in Science
Allene Johnson cares a lot about helping all students succeed. She especially wants to help minority girls get interested in science and math.
Delta Academy and Workshops
She volunteers with a group called Delta Sigma Theta. This group started the Delta Academy. It focuses on helping middle school girls learn about math and science. Johnson leads "Chemistry for Kids" workshops. These fun workshops help minority students learn more about chemistry.
Project SEED and Teacher Training
Johnson is also part of the American Chemical Society's Project SEED committee. She visits schools to encourage minority students to join Project SEED. This program gives students hands-on research experience in science. She also helps train teachers in the Newark school district. This training helps them teach science better to minority students.
Johnson has also been a judge for science awards. In 2003, she judged the Chemagination awards. For many years, she has been an advisor for the New Jersey section of the American Chemical Society.
Awards and Special Recognitions
Allene Johnson has received many awards for her important work:
- 2006 - American Chemical Society Stanley Israel Award. This award is for helping to increase diversity in chemistry.
- 2005 - ChemLuminary Award.
- 2005 - Citation Scroll, NJSTA.
- 1977 - Fellow of the New Jersey Science Teacher's Association.
- Presidential Award in Science & Mathematics Teaching.
- A chemistry scholarship at Summit High School (New Jersey) was named in her honor.
