The Office of Catholic Schools is excited to recognize the 2023-24 recipients of the Excellence in Teaching award, Sally Johnston and LeAnne Osborn.  

The Excellence in Teaching Award recognizes and celebrates the positive difference Catholic school teachers in the Diocese of Saginaw make in the lives of their students, schools and communities. One kindergarten through grade 8 teacher (self-contained classroom or specials teacher) and one subject area specialist from grades 6 through 12 were chosen based on their ability to demonstrate Catholic values both professionally and personally; their classroom instruction, student engagement and professional performance; and their positive impact in the school community.  

Sally Johnston is a fifth and sixth grade teacher at St. Mary’s School in Alma. Mrs. Johnston has dedicated her entire 40-year career to Catholic education, 37 of which have been at St. Mary’s. In 2023-24, she was the most nominated teacher in the diocese. Nominees noted her strong faith, sense of humor, service, creativity and community participation.  

Those who nominated Mrs. Johnston said: 

• “When people think of St. Mary's School, they think of Sally Johnston. All the students cannot wait until they have Mrs. Johnston! ... Sally is very open to learning and implementing new ideas and better ways of teaching. Her positive nature encourages other colleagues to stay positive in the teaching field. She often relies on her faith and is a role model for all. Seeing Sally develop relationships with the students each year is very special. All of the students look forward to being her friend. They desire her attention because of her humor and loving personality.” 

• “Community service projects and giving are a big part of Mrs. Johnston classroom. Throughout the entire year she is taking her class to give back to the community, raising funds for special organizations and visiting with local nursing home residents to celebrate Mass and make friendships. She is present in her parish life as well, serving at various ministries and leading by example.”  

• "Mrs. Johnston is a role model of the school who leads, guides, and teaches students Catholic values in our school. She demonstrates Catholic values in her teaching and in her daily interactions with the students. She leads assemblies during the school day that teach Catholic values to the students. She is present at Mass, where students see her on Sundays. She is kind and engaging to all students and encourages others to do so as well.”  

After receiving the Excellence in Teaching Award from Dr. Lynn and Chad Cook, Catholic Community Foundation of Mid-Michigan representative, Mrs. Johnston told the students and her colleagues that this award was for them. She then led the school in a cheer of “St. Mary’s rocks!” 

LeAnne Osborn teaches middle school theology at St. Brigid Catholic School in Midland. She also serves as the school’s coordinator of Catholic identity and Catechesis of the Good Shepherd catechist. Nominees wrote about her strong Catholic faith, leadership in the school’s implementation of Catholic liberal education and the staff’s faith formation and the impact of the experience she provides in the Atrium, classroom and field trips. 

Support for Mrs. Osborn included:  

• “LeAnne is a gifted educator who communicates Christ’s peace in everyday interactions with parents, students, and staff. Her calm and friendly disposition makes her a very approachable person who goes out of her way to listen to others and is able to articulate the Catholic faith clearly to a range of audiences. I’ve observed her interact with K-8 students and teachers, as well as present as a keynote speaker to a group of catechists in the Diocese of Saginaw, and she always manages to engage the group where they are at and to provide them insight about the Catholic faith that stretches their understanding beyond their circumstances. LeAnne recognizes the abilities of others and encourages them to share their gifts in ways that glorify God.”  

• “LeAnne has been a godsend to not only my children but also myself. The instruction in the classroom goes far beyond the walls of the school. Her teaching on the Catholic faith has elevated all of us in our family.” 

• "She embodies the fruits of the Holy Spirit in the atrium with the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd through her peace, patience, kindness, gentleness, and faithfulness. My older kids also went to Catholic school and had religion as a subject, but atrium with Mrs. Osborn is a totally different level of learning by experience and small group discussion. Mrs. Osborn carries these characteristics with her in the hallways, at school mass, at school events and beyond. This is who she is through and through.” 

After receiving the Excellence in Teaching Award from Dr. Lynn and Chad Cook, Catholic Community Foundation of Mid-Michigan representative, Mrs. Osborn told her school community that this award was for them. 

The recipients were surprised with the award at a schoolwide gathering and received a one-time stipend of $2,500 through Catholic Community Foundation of Mid-Michigan (CCFMM) endowments in recognition of their contribution to Catholic education. All nominated teachers were informed of that recognition in writing, including the kind words shared in their nominations.  

“What clearly stood out in the submissions for both Mrs. Osborn and Mrs. Johnston is the impact they have on the formation of their students, families and colleagues,” Dr. Lynn said. "Both teach our faith, but more importantly, they live and model the faith in a way that positively engages others. The way they carry out their ministry is a great reminder for all of us regarding the daily opportunity that we have to evangelize. I am grateful for their service in our schools.”      

The Diocese of Saginaw is home to 10 elementary schools and three high schools. To learn about the difference a Catholic education can make in your child’s life, find a school near you!