PHOENIX (AZFamily) — Alisa Johnson, a third and fourth-grade gifted teacher at Desert Cove Elementary School in Phoenix, has been named the first Silver Apple Award winner of 2026.
Johnson has been teaching gifted students for 15 years and was surprised when Arizona’s Family visited her class to award her with the Silver Apple Award.
“I love information. I love learning. And I have always been able to, I feel like, been able to connect with kids,” Johnson said.
Building community in the classroom
Johnson calls her classroom “Johnsonville” and focuses on building community among her students.
“For these guys, you are the 16th generation of Johnsonville. We call ourselves Johnsonville, and so, helping them help me build this community,” Johnson said.
The teacher emphasizes community, content and conversation as keys to her teaching success.
Student nomination leads to recognition
Fourth grader Liberty Sharpe nominated Johnson for the Silver Apple Award.
“Having Ms. Johnson this year again is the best. I used to be so bored at school, but she makes learning an adventure,” Sharpe said during the surprise presentation.
Liberty’s mother, Karen Mensing, said her daughter comes home excited about learning.
“Liberty comes home from school buzzing with excitement. You know, just can’t wait to tell me the cool things she’s learned,” Mensing said.
Alisa Johnson calls her classroom “Johnsonville” and focuses on building community among her students.(Arizona’s Family)Award includes financial recognition
Desert Financial presented Johnson with a $1,000 check as part of the Silver Apple Award recognition.
“On behalf of Desert Financial, I am so proud to present this check for $1,000 to Alisa Johnson. Eighty-five years ago, Desert Financial was formed by 15 school teachers and continuing to support the educational community in Arizona is so important. Thank you for what you do for your students,” a Desert Financial representative said.
Johnson credits her students for her success as an educator.
“In order to be a great teacher, you need to have great kids. So, I always feel very privileged that in all the years that I’ve been teaching gifted kids, I have been privileged to have really great, smart, curious kids,” Johnson said.
Johnson drives at least 45 minutes each way to reach Desert Cove Elementary every school day. She said her students, the gifted program and the school make the commute worthwhile.
Nominate a teacher or educator for Silver Apple award here.
See a spelling or grammatical error in our story? Please click here to report it.
Do you have a photo or video of a breaking news story? Send it to us here with a brief description.
Copyright 2026 KTVK/KPHO. All rights reserved.