English teacher to become Echo advisor

Jasper Winterton
Feature/Video Editor

Kurt Johnson, yearbook advisor and English teacher, will take over the position as the journalism teacher and Echo newspaper advisor next school year.

Johnson has taught at Webster for two years, currently teaching Freshman Literature and Composition and Honors World Literature and Composition, and serving as the Yearbook advisor. Prior to joining Webster, he taught English at KIPP St. Louis High School, and prior to that, he worked as a journalist at a local TV station in Evansville, IN.

“I worked at a local TV station for five years in various roles, starting out as a news producer and ending my time there as a digital media manager. After that, I worked for two years as a corporate communications specialist for an energy company before realizing that I wanted to make a career change and become a teacher,” Johnson said.

“When my wife got a job offer in St. Louis, we decided that moving was the best option for both of us. I did some deep reflection and realized that the most fulfilling part of my ‘work’ life was coaching middle school soccer at the time,” Johnson said. He added that was when he decided to transition to a career in education, and he had hoped to combine his previous career experience with his passion for coaching and teaching.

Johnson said growing up, he had two uncles he really looked up to who were radio broadcasters, and when he was in high school, he was a staff member for his school newspaper. Due to his professional experience and passion for journalism, he thought teaching it would be amazing. Though he didn’t actively pursue teaching journalism at Webster, the opportunity presented itself to him.

Donald Johnson, current Echo advisor and English teacher, will retire at the end of this school year. Due to his retirement, his role as the Echo advisor and journalism teacher became available, which led Johnson to fill in those positions.

“Mr. Donald Johnson has done an incredible job at giving students an opportunity to explore the field and building a tradition of journalistic excellence. Even though we have the same last name, we are not related, but I hope to carry on the legacy he’s built, while hopefully providing valuable insight from my days as a communications professional,” Johnson said.

Jasper Winterton-Feature Editor This will be Jasper Winterton’s third year on ECHO staff. He made several contributions while taking journalism class his freshman year.

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