This is Joni Swanson's eleventh year teaching Pre-K students at John A. Johnson Elementary, and her eleventh year with St. Paul Schools.  She taught Kindergarten for a year and worked as a librarian prior to coming to JAJ.  Ms. Swanson also worked with children and parents in the Head Start Program.  Joni earned her degree from the University of Wisconsin, River Falls where she earned her teaching license in grades Pre-K through 6th Grade. 

When not at work at John A. Johnson, Joni enjoys spending time with family and friends.  She likes reading, shopping at thrift stores, visiting antique shops and travel.  Joni has visited many locations in Minnesota, Wisconsin and Iowa.  Two of her favorite trips have been to San Francisco and Washington D.C.   It was exciting for Joni to attend the first "Stand For Children" rally held in Washington D.C. at the Lincoln Memorial. 

Joni spent her early years in small towns in Northern Minnesota along the Canadian border.  She still likes to go "Up North" whenever possible and enjoys the much more relaxed pace of life.  Ms. Swanson has lived in the suburbs of St. Paul since she began elementary school, and still lives there today.  Because she loves the change of seasons, Joni can't picture herself living anywhere but Minnesota.

Ms. Swanson feels fortunate to be part of the John A. Johnson community where students, families, teachers and school partners are all working toward the same goal.  That goal is to help children and families to be successful.  She loves watching her former Pre-K students as they grow up through the years at John A. Johnson.  Joni is proud to be the first teacher for her students, next to their parents of course.  She hopes to start all of her young students out with a positive attitude about school and learning.  

Ms. Swanson may be reached at 651-793-7300 or via e-mail at joni.swanson@spps.org