--- title: Teachstone Blog | CLASS & Effective Teaching Strategies | Cierra Johnson description: "Cierra Johnson, Trainer | \n\nCierra is a Texan through and through, having lived in Austin, Texas for most of her life. She I have been using CLASS for almost 3 years. Prior to come to Teachstone, she served as a mentor coach for a Quality Initiatives Program. Cierra is currently working on a graduate degree in Early Childhood Education with a Specialization in Adult Learning Principles at Walden University.\n\nCierra conducts Infant, Toddler, and Pre-K Observation trainings.\n\nCierra is always up for a new challenge! She loves to travel and meet new people, which makes her an ideal member of the training team. When she’s not training, Cierra can usually be found planning her next trip or just hanging out with friends." --- [![Teachstone Logo](https://info.teachstone.com/hs-fs/hubfs/TS_Color_Regist-3-1.png?width=150&height=67&name=TS_Color_Regist-3-1.png "Teachstone Logo")](https://www.teachstone.com/) - [Store](http://store.teachstone.com/) - [Support](https://teachstone.com/support) - [Login](http://dashboard.teachstone.com/) - The CLASS Framework - [What is CLASS](https://teachstone.com/class/) - [CLASS 2nd Edition](https://teachstone.com/class-2nd-edition/) - [For Leaders](https://teachstone.com/leaders/) - [For Observers](https://teachstone.com/for-observers/) - [For Coaches](https://teachstone.com/for-coaches/) - [For Educators](https://teachstone.com/for-educators/) - [For CLASS Affiliates](https://teachstone.com/for-class-affiliates/) - [For Head Start](https://teachstone.com/headstart/) - [Research](https://teachstone.com/research/) - Products and Trainings - [Getting Started with CLASS](https://teachstone.com/getting-started-with-class/) - 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[CLASS Overview for Leaders](https://teachstone.com/a-class-overview-for-leaders/) - [CLASS 2nd Edition Intro to Interactions for Educators](https://teachstone.com/intro-to-interactions-for-educators/) - [CLASS Environment](https://teachstone.com/class-environment/) - [CLASS Environment Observer Training](https://teachstone.com/class-environment/#environment-observer-training) - [CLASS Environment Overview for Educators](https://teachstone.com/class-environment/#environment-educator-training) - Observer Training & Certification - [CLASS Train-the-Trainer Affiliate Program](https://teachstone.com/class-train-the-trainer/) - [CLASS Affiliate Trainer Recertification](https://store.teachstone.com/trainer-recertification-new/) - [CLASS 2nd Edition Measurement Trainer Program](https://teachstone.com/class-2nd-measurement-trainer/) - [CLASS Observer Recertification](https://store.teachstone.com/observer-recertification-new/?showHidden=true) - [CLASS Observation Certification Training](https://teachstone.com/class-observation-training/) - [Transition Supports](https://teachstone.com/class-observer-supports/) - [CLASS Group Coaching Transition Training](https://teachstone.com/class-group-coaching-transition-training/) - [CLASS 2nd Edition Observer Transition Training](https://teachstone.com/class-2nd-observer-transition-training/) - [CLASS 2nd Edition Trainer Transition Training](https://teachstone.com/class-2nd-edition-trainer-transition-training/) - [CLASS Trainer Add-Ons](https://teachstone.com/trainer-add-ons/) - [Program Services & Support](https://teachstone.com/program-services-support/) - [CLASS Coding Support](https://teachstone.com/coding-support/) - [CLASS Quality Improvement Subscription **New!**](https://teachstone.com/myteachstone/) - [CLASS Observation Services](https://teachstone.com/class-observation-services/) - [Custom Events by Teachstone](https://teachstone.com/custom-events/) - [Meaningful Interactions at Home](https://teachstone.com/meaningful-interactions-at-home/) - Coach Trainings & Certification - [CLASS Group Coaching](https://teachstone.com/class-group-coaching/) - [1-1 Video Coaching](https://teachstone.com/1-1-video-coaching/) - [Instructional Support for Coaches](https://teachstone.com/coach-feedback/) - [Interaction Essentials Trainer Program](https://teachstone.com/interaction-essentials-trainer-program/) - [Professional Development for Educators](https://teachstone.com/professional-development-for-educators/) - [Banking Time: Investing in Relationships](https://teachstone.com/banking-time/) - [CDA with CLASS](https://teachstone.com/cda-programs/) - [Instructional Support Essentials for Teachers](https://teachstone.com/instructional-support-essentials-for-teachers/) - [Interaction Essentials for Educators](https://teachstone.com/interaction-essentials-for-educators/) - [CLASS Supplies](https://teachstone.com/class-supplies/) - [CLASS Dictionary](https://store.teachstone.com/class-dictionary/) - [CLASS Interactions Dimension Guide](https://store.teachstone.com/class-dimensions-guide/) - [CLASS Manuals](https://store.teachstone.com/class-2nd-edition-pre-k-3-manual-options/) - [CLASS Observation Score Sheets](https://store.teachstone.com/score-sheets/) - [CLASS Strategy Cards](https://store.teachstone.com/class-strategy-cards/) - [CLASS Support Kits](https://teachstone.com/class-support-kits/) - Resources - [Resource Library](https://teachstone.com/resources/) - [Blog](https://info.teachstone.com/blog) - [Blog (Spanish)](https://info.teachstone.com/blog-en-esp?hsLang=en-us) - [Blog (French)](https://casiope.org/categorie/class/) - [Upcoming Events](https://teachstone.com/upcoming-events/) - [Community](https://community.teachstone.com/home) - [About](https://teachstone.com/about-teachstone/) - [Who We Are](https://teachstone.com/about-teachstone/#whoweare) - [Our Impact](https://teachstone.com/our-impact/) - [Partners](https://teachstone.com/our-partners/) - [Careers](https://teachstone.com/careers/) - [Certified B-Corp](https://teachstone.com/certified-b-corporation/) - [News](https://teachstone.com/news/) - [Connect with a Rep](https://info.teachstone.com/contact-a-teachstone-representative?hsLang=en-us) - [Store](http://store.teachstone.com/) - [Support](https://teachstone.com/support) - [Login](http://dashboard.teachstone.com/) # Posts by Cierra Johnson ![](https://info.teachstone.com/hubfs/Blog_Authors/Cierra-Johnson.png) cierra.johnson\[at\]teachstone.com Cierra Johnson, Trainer | Cierra is a Texan through and through, having lived in Austin, Texas for most of her life. She I have been using CLASS for almost 3 years. Prior to come to Teachstone, she served as a mentor coach for a Quality Initiatives Program. Cierra is currently working on a graduate degree in Early Childhood Education with a Specialization in Adult Learning Principles at Walden University. Cierra conducts Infant, Toddler, and Pre-K Observation trainings. Cierra is always up for a new challenge! She loves to travel and meet new people, which makes her an ideal member of the training team. When she’s not training, Cierra can usually be found planning her next trip or just hanging out with friends. Filter By Topic Select One... - [Announcements (83)](https://info.teachstone.com/blog/topic/announcements) - [Applying Science of Reading (1)](https://info.teachstone.com/blog/topic/applying-science-of-reading) - [Birth to Five (1)](https://info.teachstone.com/blog/topic/birth-to-five) - [CDA (9)](https://info.teachstone.com/blog/topic/cda) - [CLASS 2nd Edition (1)](https://info.teachstone.com/blog/topic/class-2nd-edition) - [CLASS Connect (1)](https://info.teachstone.com/blog/topic/class-connect) - [CLASS in Practice (121)](https://info.teachstone.com/blog/topic/class-in-practice) - [Coach Tips (151)](https://info.teachstone.com/blog/topic/coach-tips) - [COVID-19 (26)](https://info.teachstone.com/blog/topic/covid-19) - [FAQs (107)](https://info.teachstone.com/blog/topic/faqs) - [For Parents (22)](https://info.teachstone.com/blog/topic/for-parents) - [Head Start (44)](https://info.teachstone.com/blog/topic/head-start) - [Implementation (103)](https://info.teachstone.com/blog/topic/implementation) - [Infant and Toddler (79)](https://info.teachstone.com/blog/topic/infant-and-toddler) - [InterAct (5)](https://info.teachstone.com/blog/topic/interact) - [Just for Fun (58)](https://info.teachstone.com/blog/topic/just-for-fun) - [K-12 (74)](https://info.teachstone.com/blog/topic/k-12) - [Leadership & Policy (136)](https://info.teachstone.com/blog/topic/leadership-policy) - [myTeachstone (27)](https://info.teachstone.com/blog/topic/myteachstone) - [Observation Trainings (75)](https://info.teachstone.com/blog/topic/observation-trainings) - [Podcast (43)](https://info.teachstone.com/blog/topic/podcast) - [Pre-K (134)](https://info.teachstone.com/blog/topic/pre-k) - [Products and Trainings (109)](https://info.teachstone.com/blog/topic/products-and-trainings) - [Professional Development (115)](https://info.teachstone.com/blog/topic/professional-development) - [Reliability and Certification (68)](https://info.teachstone.com/blog/topic/reliability-and-certification) - [Research (129)](https://info.teachstone.com/blog/topic/research) - [Social-Emotional Learning (27)](https://info.teachstone.com/blog/topic/social-emotional-learning) - [Teacher Preparation (14)](https://info.teachstone.com/blog/topic/teacher-preparation) - [Teacher Spotlight (2)](https://info.teachstone.com/blog/topic/teacher-spotlight) - [Teacher Tips (242)](https://info.teachstone.com/blog/topic/teacher-tips) - [Trainer Tips (94)](https://info.teachstone.com/blog/topic/trainer-tips) [Return to Blog](https://info.teachstone.com/blog) [![](https://info.teachstone.com/hubfs/male-teacher-coloring-with-students-1.jpg)](https://info.teachstone.com/blog/5-master-note-taking-tips-class-observations?hsLang=en-us) ## [5 Note-Taking Tips Guaranteed to Help During CLASS® Observations](https://info.teachstone.com/blog/5-master-note-taking-tips-class-observations?hsLang=en-us) By [Cierra Johnson](https://info.teachstone.com/blog/author/cierra-johnson) Have you ever wished for a magical power that helped you take notes super effectively while conducting CLASS observations? The kind of magical power ... [![](https://info.teachstone.com/hubfs/I_DC_Washington_SolomonBrown_Buenconsejo_011315_0211.jpg)](https://info.teachstone.com/blog/the-good-babies-are-being-ignored?hsLang=en-us) ## [The “Good” Babies Are Being Ignored](https://info.teachstone.com/blog/the-good-babies-are-being-ignored?hsLang=en-us) By [Cierra Johnson](https://info.teachstone.com/blog/author/cierra-johnson) A few months ago, I gave a training to a group of early childhood professionals over the Infant CLASS. As I was going over one of the indicators ... [![](https://info.teachstone.com/hubfs/Floor%20Drum.png)](https://info.teachstone.com/blog/3-reasons-why-floor-drum-is-my-favorite-toddler-class-training-video?hsLang=en-us) ## [3 Reasons Why Floor Drum Is My Favorite Toddler CLASS Training Video](https://info.teachstone.com/blog/3-reasons-why-floor-drum-is-my-favorite-toddler-class-training-video?hsLang=en-us) By [Cierra Johnson](https://info.teachstone.com/blog/author/cierra-johnson) In every CLASS Observation Training, there is always one video that is my favorite. I know--they say we aren’t supposed to have favorites, but when ... [![](https://info.teachstone.com/hubfs/bmgos9wrnhu-hugo-villegas.jpg)](https://info.teachstone.com/blog/how-becoming-a-class-observer-is-like-learning-to-drive?hsLang=en-us) ## [How Becoming a CLASS Observer is Like Learning to Drive](https://info.teachstone.com/blog/how-becoming-a-class-observer-is-like-learning-to-drive?hsLang=en-us) By [Cierra Johnson](https://info.teachstone.com/blog/author/cierra-johnson) I remember the first time I walked out my house and saw the used 2000 GMC Yukon that my dad had purchased for me. It was bright red and huge compared ... [![](https://info.teachstone.com/hubfs/pjzc7lot2ig-hope-house-press.jpg)](https://info.teachstone.com/blog/5-ways-to-master-the-art-of-notetaking?hsLang=en-us) ## [5 Ways to Master the Art of Notetaking](https://info.teachstone.com/blog/5-ways-to-master-the-art-of-notetaking?hsLang=en-us) By [Cierra Johnson](https://info.teachstone.com/blog/author/cierra-johnson) Have you ever wished for a magical power that helped you, and your observers-in-training, take notes super effectively? The kind of magical power ... [![](https://info.teachstone.com/hubfs/Manual.jpg)](https://info.teachstone.com/blog/tips-for-introducing-each-class-dimension?hsLang=en-us) ## [Tips for Introducing Each Dimension](https://info.teachstone.com/blog/tips-for-introducing-each-class-dimension?hsLang=en-us) By [Cierra Johnson](https://info.teachstone.com/blog/author/cierra-johnson) There are many ways to introduce dimensions for any CLASS tool. I have observed several trainers to see how he or she introduces the dimensions, and ... [![](https://info.teachstone.com/hubfs/Screen_Shot_2016-03-14_at_10.09.18_AM.png)](https://info.teachstone.com/blog/class-manual-dimensions-trifold?hsLang=en-us) ## [The Fake Friend vs. The Real Friend: Making the Training Material Relatable](https://info.teachstone.com/blog/class-manual-dimensions-trifold?hsLang=en-us) By [Cierra Johnson](https://info.teachstone.com/blog/author/cierra-johnson) Every time I train, I always try to find ways to make the materials relatable to the participants’ lives, either by telling stories or by giving ... [![](https://info.teachstone.com/hubfs/DSC_0924.jpg)](https://info.teachstone.com/blog/why-the-class-training-is-more-than-just-reading-a-script?hsLang=en-us) ## [Why the CLASS Training is More than Just Reading a “Script”](https://info.teachstone.com/blog/why-the-class-training-is-more-than-just-reading-a-script?hsLang=en-us) By [Cierra Johnson](https://info.teachstone.com/blog/author/cierra-johnson) When I first became a CLASS trainer, I was so excited to see that the PowerPoint notes explained exactly what I needed to say and do for each slide ... ## Subscribe to the Teachstone Blog [![Teachstone Logo](https://info.teachstone.com/hs-fs/hubfs/TS_Color_Regist-3-1.png?width=150&height=67&name=TS_Color_Regist-3-1.png "Teachstone Logo")](https://www.teachstone.com/) - - - [About](https://teachstone.com/about-teachstone/) - [About Teachstone®](https://teachstone.com/about-teachstone/) - [Our Partners](https://teachstone.com/our-partners/) - [Careers](https://teachstone.com/careers/) - [Resources](https://teachstone.com/resources/) - [Support](https://teachstone.com/support) - [Contact Sales](https://info.teachstone.com/contact-a-teachstone-representative?hsLang=en-us) - [InterAct CLASS Summit](https://teachstone.com/interact-class-summit/) - [CLASS en español](https://teachstone.com/collecion-de-productos-en-esp/) - [CLASS en Français](https://teachstone.com/class-en-francais/) - [Privacy Policy](https://teachstone.com/privacy-policy/) - [Terms of Use](https://teachstone.com/terms-conditions/) - [Web Accessibility](https://teachstone.com/web-accessibility/) - [Permissions](https://teachstone.com/permissions/) © 2026 Teachstone, Inc