Jane Johansen

Jane Johansen has been an integral part of the Renbrook community since 1999. As a Grade 5 Teacher and Grade Level Coordinator, she teaches Humanities and Math while weaving Responsive Classroom principles into her daily practice to nurture students’ social and emotional growth alongside their academic development.

She earned her B.A. in Psychology and Education from Eastern Connecticut State University. Before joining Renbrook, Jane served as Director of the Children’s Discovery Center in East Granby and taught kindergarten in Farmington. These early leadership and classroom experiences helped shape her belief in the importance of understanding each child as an individual learner.

Jane believes that each student walks into her classroom carrying their own story, strengths, and way of making sense of the world. She sees it as both a responsibility and a privilege to understand who they are, not who they are expected to be, and to support their growth from that starting point. Meeting students where they are is, in her view, an act of respect, empathy, and hope. In her classroom, students are given voice and are encouraged to become thoughtful, respectful members of their community.

Jane’s commitment to students extends well beyond the classroom. She coaches Girls Varsity Soccer, coordinates costumes for the Winter Musical, and founded and coaches the Renbrook Roadrunners, offering students opportunities to build confidence, teamwork, and resilience. She treasures the strong connections she forms with families, relationships that often continue long after students leave Renbrook.

Outside of school, Jane finds joy in photography, art, gardening, running, soccer, hiking, and nearly any activity that gets her outdoors. At home, she shares life with three cats, two dogs, and two guinea pigs. Guided by her belief that children are the future and must be taught well, Jane approaches each day with purpose, care, and dedication.