Phoenix gifted teacher Alisa Johnson receives first 2026 Silver Apple Award at Desert Cove Elementary School

A classroom surprise marks the first Silver Apple recognition of the year

Alisa Johnson, a third- and fourth-grade gifted teacher at Desert Cove Elementary School in Phoenix, has been named the first Silver Apple Award recipient of 2026. The award presentation took place during a surprise visit to her classroom on Tuesday, February 10, 2026.

The Silver Apple Award includes a $1,000 financial award and public recognition connected to the program’s education-focused sponsorship. Johnson has worked with gifted students for 15 years and said her approach is rooted in helping students stay curious, engaged, and connected to learning.

How Johnson describes her teaching approach

In remarks during the presentation, Johnson pointed to her interest in information and learning, and described student connection as central to her work. Inside the classroom, she has built an identity around a long-running community concept that she calls “Johnsonville,” framing current students as part of an ongoing “generation” within that classroom culture.

Johnson also described three recurring priorities she emphasizes with students: community, content and conversation. The framework reflects a balance between classroom relationships, academic material and structured discussion—an approach often used in upper-elementary settings to support engagement and deeper understanding.

A student nomination helped drive the selection

Johnson’s recognition was tied directly to a student nomination. Fourth grader Liberty Sharpe nominated her teacher for the award and spoke during the classroom presentation about feeling more engaged in school as a result of Johnson’s instruction. Sharpe described lessons as more adventurous than in previous years.

Sharpe’s mother, Karen Mensing, also described a change in how her child talks about school at home, saying her daughter returns from school eager to share what she learned.

Time commitment and the daily commute

Johnson said she commutes at least 45 minutes each way to Desert Cove Elementary School. She attributed the decision to continue making that trip to the students she teaches, the school’s gifted program, and the broader school community.

• Recipient: Alisa Johnson
• Role: Third- and fourth-grade gifted teacher
• School: Desert Cove Elementary School (Phoenix)
• Award: Silver Apple Award (first recipient of 2026)
• Recognition includes: $1,000 financial award

Johnson credited her students for the classroom environment, saying strong teaching depends on having engaged, curious learners.

The Silver Apple Award program continues through the year with additional educator recognitions expected across the Phoenix area and beyond.