Whether it is teaching geometry, coaching Edmond Memorial High School pom, or lending a helping hand around the school, Johanna Belt does it all. Belt has been teaching at EMHS since 2023 and has been the pom’s assistant for two years. Her dedication to the school shows through her participation and engagement.
“Mrs. Belt has a great way of getting involved in student activities and even helps us get involved, whether that is supporting pom or participating in Swine Week,” Lily Davenport, Belt’s sophomore geometry student, said.
Being the assistant coach of the pom team, Belt takes the role of introducing others to the sport and encourages wider support for the program. Her persistence to uphold pom’s winning streak shows, as the team won state for the fourth time in a row this year. On the other hand, she also makes her classroom filled with school spirit by promoting the activities and fundraisers for Swine Week. Her encouragement of others to become involved in EMHS activities has been proved through her own participation.
“One of the things that sets her apart from other teachers is her personality,” sophomore principal Shastin Willman said. “She loves to build relationships with kids and other adults.”
During advisory, her room is packed with current and past students students and members of pom. Her approach to building relationships with her students is not just acting as a teacher but also as a listening ear. Her room is not a simple math class: it is a community of people with whom Belt has formed connections.
When teaching geometry and an intro to advanced geometry class, Belt’s approach is different from most high school teachers.
“I love to bring some of the goofiness from my elementary teaching and middle school teaching into high school because it is never just about learning math: it’s about having fun while you’re doing it,” Belt said.
Belt goes beyond for her students by decorating her room, engaging with her students and having catchy little songs or rhymes to remember the material. Students can be easily overwhelmed with six or seven classes, so Belt makes sure to reduce some of that stress by introducing a calm environment to her students.
Season Kissinger, Belt’s friend and colleague, works closely with her in her day-to-day life by discussing geometry assignments, lesson plans or just dropping by for a simple chat. They have known each other for many years, as their bond goes back to when the two taught at Cimarron Middle School together.
“Another thing about her is that she always tends to be a positive thinker, and I have definitely seen her pass that on to those around her,” Kissinger said. “She’s able to make the best out of a bad situation.”
Her positivity helps her manage the business of her everyday life, whether it is grading papers or going to pom’s practices. Allowing herself to spread that positivity to others is what makes her stand out. Her cheerful personality has led to her many successes and fun moments with those around her.
“When we won state, I absolutely loved being able to do that with my daughter, who is a senior this year,” Belt said.
Being an assistant coach in pom allows Belt to spend more time with her daughter and stay connected with past students, who are in pom. Her position as assistant coach can influence others due to her helpful nature and ability to stay enthusiastic. Belt was there for practice, competition and the state championship itself, cheering her girls on.
Belt’s ability to provide for others and her distinctive teaching style are what make her a positive influence on those around her. As Belt continues to teach in both math and pom, she continues to grow every day by helping others. Her influence on her students has surely been a positive one.
Contact Grian Foley at [email protected].
