NAHANT — The Johnson Elementary School has found its new music teacher, and in the process completed its staffing requirements for the school year.
Superintendent of Schools Tony Pierantozzi told the School Committee last week that Swampscott resident Isabella Walsh had been selected for the position after a long search.
Her hire means that the Johnson School, the only school in the district, is now fully staffed, Pierantozzi said.
Walsh will teach students about music once a week at the elementary school.
“Music and creativity, in general, unlock so many things for kids,” said Walsh. “It helps learning across the board to be creative every single day. (It’s about) showing students that you don’t have to be afraid and necessarily be overly talented just to be naturally creative.”
Walsh said she has always been passionate about music and dance. She was introduced to music by her father, who plays the violin.
“My whole family is a very big musical family,” said Walsh.
Walsh has played the violin since she was 7 years old; she has played in orchestras across the North Shore, and has performed in her hometown at St. John the Evangelist Church. She has also danced in the Boston Ballet.
She attended The Rivers School Conservatory, a music school in Weston, and learned about children’s and adult choirs through the Old North Church Festival Chorus.
Walsh was turned on to the job in Nahant by her mother, who works in after-school care in Swampscott and South Hadley. Her mother saw the job listing for a music teacher at the Johnson School and thought Walsh would be a perfect fit.
Walsh, who begins teaching at Johnson in a few weeks, said she is excited to get started in her new role. She has past experience working in volunteer teaching capacity, she said.
“I’m really excited about this,” said Walsh. “I never thought I’d be a music teacher.”
