UNO Names Allison Johnson Employee of the Month

Allison Johnson, transition lead teacher at the UNO Child Care Center, has been named UNO’s Employee of the Month for November 2021.

Johnson was surprised by the UNO Celebration Committee on Tuesday, Nov. 9, to celebrate the occasion.

In their nomination letters, all of Johnson’s nominators emphasized how much she cares for the kids she works with.

“Allison is always professional, patient, and nurturing. She puts extensive thought and care into creating a stimulating environment for the children and letting them know she cares for them through her words and actions,” one nominator said. “My child grew and thrived in her classroom. Allison is a genuine leader and has a positive impact on every child in her classroom.”

When it comes to childcare, effective communication is crucial, and Johnson’s exceptional communication skills with parents and children alike have not gone unnoticed.

“My child has struggled with a few items in transition, and Allison would always take the time to email me on rough mornings to let me know how my daughter did the rest of the morning and day,” said a nominator. “Also, talk about skills. She can communicate with these kiddos in ways every parent desires.”

Since becoming a transition lead teacher in 2019, Johnson not only has to deal with the significant requirements of being a childcare provider, but also the specific challenges that have come with caring for children amidst a pandemic.

“She has flawlessly transitioned between normal operations, a global pandemic, temporary center relocations, and every other day-to-day interruption that affects the toddler crew,” a nominator said.

Her efforts to make a safe and nurturing environment where kids can grow has had an impact on the development of many children coming to her classroom.

“It is not an easy thing to lead a classroom of two-to-three-year-olds, but Allison does it effortlessly,” a nominator said. “She knows where children this age range should be, and recognizes when something needs to be addressed. She provides experiences for each of the children that meet them where they are at and provides them with their own opportunity to grow.”

For being awarded as Employee of the Month, Johnson will receive a certificate, hot/cold tumbler, monetary award, two tickers to a UNO sporting event, and use of a designated parking space.

Questions about Employee of the Month? Contact Kristina Hoffmann at kristinahoffmann@unomaha.edu.