This Science Teacher Loves Helping Her Students Reach Higher Ed

Ahead of the 2024 school year, PS's The Educators is spotlighting 24 public school teachers around the country who are making a difference.

Viola Liu-Johnson is a science teacher at James Hillhouse High School in New Haven, CT. She started her teaching career at Teach For America and now has five years of experience under her belt. Keep reading to get to know her.

What inspired you to be a teacher?
Learning is a passion of mine, and I believe that every student has a passion to learn, sometimes waiting to be discovered. I pursued teaching because I wanted to help spread a love for learning and knowledge.

What's the most rewarding part of your job?
The most rewarding part of my job is being able to write a letter of recommendation for students. There's a sense of joy and accomplishment to know that students had a positive experience in my classroom and are pursuing college.

Who was your favorite teacher and why?
My middle school band teacher. His class was always a safe space, and he is the reason that I've been able to find my passion for music.

What's your go-to teaching uniform?
My typical school outfit is a colorful swing dress with a belt, colorfully patterned socks or leggings, comfy sneakers, a whimsical hair clip or hair bow, and colorful eyeshadow to tie it all together.

What do you always make time for because it makes you feel good?
I always make time for my partner. There is nothing that I value more in the world than spending time with the one I love.

What's your morning routine on a school day?
I'm most productive in the morning, so I wake up around 4 to 5 a.m.; get some work done (grading, lesson planning, planning meetings, etc.) until 6:30; plan my outfit, makeup, and hair; fill up a glass of water; and head out for the day.

How do you practice self-care?
I let my heart lead: sometimes I find myself deeply exploring a curiosity, interest, or hobby, and I let myself get carried away.

What are you watching?
I've been watching all the anime I've been behind on. Right now, I've been catching up on "My Hero Academia"!

What's your go-to feel-good music?
I love all things K-pop!

Yerin Kim is the features editor at PS, where she helps shape the vision for special features and packages across the network. A graduate of Syracuse University's Newhouse School, she has over five years of experience in the pop culture and women's lifestyle spaces. She's passionate about spreading cultural sensitivity through the lenses of lifestyle, entertainment, and style.