of  
Johanna McClear
Known as "Honnie," Johanna McClear had a love and a gift for teaching.

McClear arrived at Brookside in 1972 to teach first grade, but her career as an educator may have started in the sixth grade when she was often called upon to help first graders with their reading.

In her first few years at Brookside -- under the guidance of former headmaster Jock Denio -- McClear implemented a reading enrichment program for slower readers. The program became a success and continued to flourish for many years. McClear, along with fellow educator Diane Appleman, published the book, "Teacher, The Children Are Here," for new elementary school teachers.

In 1985, McClear relieved as assistant headmistress and became the school’s fourth headmistress in 1988. Her kindness and appreciation for education provided strength and coherence within the walls of Brookside for the next 10 years.