Influential Women spotlights Sherri Johnson’s early childhood teaching career

Influential Women is recognizing Phoenix educator and children’s book author Sherri Johnson for more than two decades of work with preschoolers at St. Francis Xavier Catholic School. Johnson says trust, kindness and respect shape both her classroom and her books, and she uses her platform to share lessons from early childhood education.

Why it matters: - Sherri Johnson works with some of the youngest students in school, making her influence especially important during the years when children are first learning confidence, behavior and social skills. - Johnson’s dual role as preschool teacher and children’s book author extends her reach beyond one classroom and into families, schools and children’s reading lives. - Her approach centers on trust, kindness and respect, values she sees as foundational for children and for stronger parent-teacher partnerships.

What happened: - Influential Women featured Sherri Johnson, the lead three-year-old teacher at St. Francis Xavier Catholic School in Phoenix, Arizona. - Johnson has taught preschool since 2002 and has spent more than two decades in early childhood education. - Johnson also writes children’s books under the pen name Mrs. Tattle and shares related classroom insights through her website.

The details: - Johnson created the classroom character Mrs. Tattle more than 30 years ago to help children work through minor conflicts and speak up for themselves without relying on the teacher. - Johnson earned an associate degree in General Studies and studied Early Childhood Education and Teaching at Glendale Community College. - Johnson completed her college degree at age 55 and published her first book at 65. - Johnson’s debut book is Mrs. Tattle’s Superpower. - Johnson’s follow-up book, Mrs. Tattle’s Brave Heart, is dedicated to children at a local hospital. - Mrs. Tattle’s Brave Heart features three of Johnson’s grandchildren through written descriptions rather than photographs. - Johnson says the book is a legacy she is grateful to leave her grandchildren. - Johnson has been married for 44 years and is the parent of two adult children and grandmother to three grandchildren. - Johnson volunteers with the Salvation Army and the Diabetes Association. - Johnson also enjoys gardening and watching hockey.

Between the lines: - Johnson’s comments point to a broader challenge in early childhood education: teaching very young children while also helping parents adjust to classroom routines and expectations. - Johnson says patience matters because her students are only about 36 months old, and she believes children respond when teachers show faith in their ability to succeed. - Johnson said many new teachers leave the field because they may have strong credentials but lack the patience and confidence needed for work with very young children and their parents. - Johnson sees parent-teacher conferences as a chance to discuss growth, highlight positive traits and handle difficult conversations in a way that preserves trust. - Johnson says changing parenting styles, evolving child behavior and the effects of COVID have made alignment between families and teachers more important. - Johnson sees gentle parenting as one factor shaping how children interact in class. - Johnson credits mentors and supporters including her sisters Laura and Patti, her husband Kyle and principal Ryan Watson. - Johnson said her class prays each day for classmates facing serious illness, and that experience strengthens her faith in community support.

What’s next: - Johnson plans to keep teaching as long as she can. - Johnson is continuing to share her stories and classroom perspective through her books and public profile. - Johnson’s work suggests she will keep focusing on helping young children build trust, kindness and respect during their first school years.

The bottom line: - Sherri Johnson’s career shows how early childhood teaching can shape not just a classroom, but a child’s first lasting sense of safety, confidence and community.