05/14/2026
There are moments that remind us exactly why we do this work. Wednesday's Excellence In Teaching award presentation honoring Mallory Johnson at Community Connections @ Pinckney was one of them—filled with emotion, gratitude, and powerful tributes to an extraordinary educator.
Mallory Johnson, Secondary Therapeutic Classroom (STC) teacher at Community Connections @ Pinckney in Lawrence Public Schools, has been named the 2026 recipient of the Excellence in Teaching Award—known locally as the Bobs Award—and received a $10,000 prize.
The Lawrence Schools Foundation presented the annual honor Wednesday during an all-school assembly attended by Johnson’s family, colleagues, students, former coworkers, Foundation board members, and district leaders.
“My son, Daniel Zogry, was a student of Mallory’s for three years in the Secondary Therapeutic Classroom (STC), and she was the guiding force behind his ability to remain in school. He struggled with suicidal ideation every day and could not tolerate the school building. His WRAP worker and school counselor connected with Mallory, and she came to meet Daniel at the end of that school year to see if he would be a good fit for her classroom. Our lives changed immeasurably for the better when we learned he could attend the STC in the fall of his second year,” said parent Sally Monahan. “Describing Mallory and her talents, skills, and gifts takes just four words: ‘we don’t deserve her.’”
“She excels at helping kids build discipline while meeting them where they are. It’s an incredibly delicate line to walk with any group of students, and she makes it look almost effortless with kids who require more patience than most. She does it with warmth, good humor, and joy,” said parent Brady Swenson.
“Mallory creates a classroom environment where all students feel safe, valued, and capable of growth. Working in a therapeutic setting requires not only strong instructional skills but also deep empathy and adaptability. Mallory consistently implements innovative, trauma-informed practices that meet students where they are—academically, socially, and emotionally. She inspires students to believe in themselves, often helping them rediscover their potential after significant challenges. Her ability to balance high expectations with compassion is truly exceptional,” said Principal Jenna Viscomi of Community Connections @ Pinckney.
“I encourage our community—if you have not had the opportunity to step inside this building and see the incredible programs, educators, staff, and students—to do so. It is life-changing and profoundly impactful to our community,” said Dena Johnston, Executive Director of the Lawrence Schools Foundation.
Nearly 30 years ago, a group of civic leaders who shared the first name Bob established this award through the Foundation. The benefactors remain anonymous to keep the focus on the exceptional educators selected each year.
The Bobs Award recognizes a teacher who exemplifies extraordinary instructional skill; demonstrates a deep commitment to quality education; focuses on individual student achievement; attends to the whole child; and is consistently caring, adaptable, professional, and proficient.
Johnson is the 30th recipient of this prestigious annual honor.
