The Educators Rising’s national student officers tell their personal stories at each general session during the national conference.
National Vice President of Engagement Haylie Johnson spoke about the events that led her to choose education as a career at Sunday’s general session.
Growing up, becoming an educator was never part of my plan. Like many kids, I dreamed about a lot of different careers. At one point, I wanted to be an actress. Then I wanted to be a doctor. Later, I thought about becoming a lawyer. But as I got older, I started to ask myself a different question: How do people become those things?
The answer always seemed to come back to the same place — a good teacher.
My first glimpse into education came through my aunt, who was a first-grade teacher. Every year before school started, I would help her set up her classroom for her incoming students. We would organize supplies, decorate bulletin boards, and create a welcoming environment. Even though I was just helping with small tasks, I loved knowing that we were preparing a space where children could learn, grow, and feel excited about coming to school. It felt good to know that something as simple as a well-prepared classroom could help set students up for a successful year.
But it wasn’t until I started high school that I truly realized education was the path for me. When I met my Educators Rising teacher, Mrs. Boutote, I saw firsthand what it meant to be an exceptional educator. She didn’t just teach lessons — she built relationships. She welcomed every student, made us feel safe, and showed genuine care for us both personally and academically. Her classroom was a place where students felt valued, supported, and encouraged to succeed.
What stood out to me most was the way she made every student feel like they belonged. No matter what kind of day someone was having, Mrs. Boutote made sure they knew they were important. She celebrated our successes, encouraged us through challenges, and believed in us even when we doubted ourselves. She created an environment where students weren’t afraid to ask questions, make mistakes, and grow.
As I spent more time in her classroom and became involved in Educators Rising, I realized that the impact she was having on students went far beyond the curriculum. She was helping shape confidence, character, and future aspirations. Seeing that made me realize that teaching isn’t just about helping students learn information — it’s about helping them discover who they are and who they can become.
Mrs. Boutote inspired me to become the kind of educator who creates that same sense of belonging and support for others. I want my future students to walk into my classroom feeling welcomed, valued, and capable of achieving their goals. Because of her example, I discovered that education wasn’t just something I admired — it was something I wanted to dedicate my life to.
