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After 30 Years Of Teaching, Adapting, She Will Log Off

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By SHERRI ACKERMAN

The Tampa Tribune

Published: June 4, 2008

Updated: 06/04/2008 12:22 am

TAMPA - When she began teaching math 30 years ago, Norris Johnson didn't even own a computer.

So it's somewhat amusing to her that today, the last day of school in Hillsborough County, she officially retires as an online teacher for Hillsborough Virtual School.

"Having a computer at home was a pretty amazing thought about 20 years ago," said the 64-year-old grandmother, who was recognized Tuesday at Wharton High School along with three other retiring teachers.

Johnson spent the past three years at the virtual school, a program that started in 2002 and offers students an alternative to attending classes on campus. The school has about 3,500 registered students and is a franchise of the Florida Virtual School.

For teachers such as Johnson, the school allows for a flexible schedule while still providing the same benefits classroom teachers receive.

"But don't let anybody fool you," advised Johnson, who wanted to teach online so she could care for her 2-year-old grandson, Bryce, while his mom teaches at Heritage Elementary School. "It's a whole lot of work."

For one thing, she doesn't deal with just 30 students at a time. Try 100. Her cell phone constantly rings while e-mail messages flash almost nonstop on her computer screen.

She can set her own hours somewhat. But often, especially this week, Johnson is up until after midnight grading tests and returning e-mail messages that walk students through the finer points of algebra and geometry.

Another downside: When she explains something, she can't just do it once for the whole class. Johnson has to answer each and every student's question.

Once a month, she also must touch base by phone with all of the students and their families.

Having a virtual class does have its pluses, though.

"Behavior is not a problem," Johnson acknowledged.

Described by colleagues as "fair" and "tough," Johnson spent two years teaching outside of Florida and 28 years fine-tuning her style in the Sunshine State at Ruskin Elementary, Washington Junior High School, Van Buren Middle School, Palatka High School, Leto High School, Wharton High School, Blake High School, Hillsborough Virtual School and Hillsborough Community College.

Did students think Johnson was tough?

"They probably did, but we all hope we're tough," Wharton math teacher Becky Gerberding said.

Johnson kept up her taskmaster reputation when she moved from the classroom to her comfy Temple Terrace den to work. Students weren't allowed to slack off just because they weren't in front of the teacher.

"They're really a full-time student who takes classes at home," she said.

If Johnson thought a student wasn't doing his or her own work, she would meet them face-to-face for a quiz. Recently, when one boy fell behind and asked to skip some of the work so he could pass the class this week, Johnson told him no.

The real challenge of online teaching, she said, is keeping the students working.

"Parents have to motivate their child," Johnson said. "If they are doing their part, then the teaching is not difficult."

Johnson was among 251 district employees expected to retire this month. She plans to continue caring for her grandson and for her parents, Ellabell and Malcolm Taylor, 94 and 96 respectively.

She and her husband, Paul, a retired HCC administrator, hope to travel. At any rate, the time off will be a pleasure, fellow retired teachers told her during a ceremony featuring shrimp cocktails and iced tea.

"Retirement," said Carmen Aguero, who retired in December as principal of Webb Middle School, "rocks!"

Summer break officially begins when classes end today. School resumes for students Aug. 18.

Researcher Buddy Jaudon contributed to this report. Reporter Sherri Ackerman can be reached at sackerman@tampatrib.com or (813) 259-7144.

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