Don Johnston has always enjoyed school. Both parents were teachers and his earliest memories are of one of their classrooms or the ones he has attended. He enjoys working with kids and the surprises they bring; there is always something to laugh about at the end of the day.

The teacher that had a powerful influence on his life was his Western Michigan University freshman writing teacher Phil Egan, the first teacher to engage Johnston in a free-flowing debate, which culminated in the class writing to support their positions. It was Johnston’s first real Socratic style of class and it brought home the connection of writing as a tool to refine and help guide his thinking.

Watch out! Johnston likes practical jokes and considers schools chock full of opportunities for them. He loves island life and considers Orcas “perfect!” He is used to being an islander from his childhood experience living on Gross Ile — where the Detroit River empties into Lake Erie. He appreciates the natural beauty and mellow attitude of the people here; mainly, how nice people are to one another.

Johnston has no pets at the moment. His favorite hobbies are sailing, woodworking, old cars and reading. He loves all kinds of music. Lessons his work life taught him?

“We’re all trying to do the right thing … some of us just have more obstacles than others,” said Johnston.