“One safe place for everyone. One tutor for everyone. One road to success for everyone.”
This is the motto that Ruth Morris Johnston lives by. She proves that the power of education and willpower of determined teachers can change anyone’s life, no matter the circumstances and obstacles.
Working as the Program Coordinator of the Learning Arts Center of Valparaiso, Morris Johnston has dedicated her life to providing quality education to others and to guiding them. The center began a partnership with a non-profit organization, One for Everyone, which is focused on raising funds and providing resources to support the physical and educational development of children and adults with special needs. In 2020, Morris Johnston joined as Program Coordinator and later became President of the non-profit organization. In addition, she is also a SilverSneakers and music teacher at the Valparaiso Family YMCA.
“I want to be a servant to others and be a leader for them when things get rough,” Morris Johnston said. “Seeing growth in both children and adults motivates me very much, and I feel like my purpose in life is to be a teacher and help others be their best. The goal is changing the world for the better.”
Prior to her current position, Morris Johnston spent years as a lecturer for the Valparaiso University Education Department and an elementary school teacher for the Duneland School Corporation. She believes it is of utmost importance to build rapport with children, no matter what challenges they may face. It is a crucial step in cultivating their development.
“Serving those in the community means becoming one with everyone,” Morris Johnston stated. “Working at that capacity means finding a need and fulfilling your duties. It can be daunting, but the results will be incredibly rewarding.”
Morris Johnston explained that she found success in her work through a variety of different avenues, including research, talking to other professionals, and being informed. Above all, though, one needs tenacity and perseverance. It falls into the idea of being a lifelong learner.
“During my years as an educator, I learned plenty of valuable lessons about work ethic and being adaptable,” Morris Johnston explained. “Teachers need to be open to helping people become who they are in different ways. In addition to being their teachers, we also have the responsibility of being role models in their lives.”
Even after years of teaching, Morris Johnston’s passion for education has not faltered. She still works with children today, using her guitar to create music to reach out to and engage with them.
“It took decades of hard work and overcoming obstacles to get where I am at today, but I finally feel like I have arrived,” Morris Johnston said. “I have combined lessons and skills that I have gathered from years of experience to get where I am today, and honestly, it feels like it has all paid off. My heart and soul are in the idea of stimulating the education of others and being part of their success stories makes life worth living."
Morris Johnston stated that One for Everyone is currently looking for more volunteers to help with programming, so if you are interested, learn more at https://www.healingartsvalpo.com/learning_center.php.