Shaped by his time spent as a St. Thomas student himself, Casey Johnson (‘05) leads current students through their own high school experiences in Theology class, with the Ad Altare Dei Society, and in Eagles for Life club meetings as Director of Liturgy.

“Mr. Johnson stands out to me as a teacher because of his dedication and passion for fostering meaningful discussions,” Mathew Michael, a member of Ad Altare Dei Society and Eagles for Life, said.

A beloved educator, Johnson combines the school’s values of goodness, discipline, and knowledge to create a safe and spiritually fulfilling learning environment for each Eagle he teaches. His teaching philosophy is largely influenced by the teachers he had at St. Thomas and the love he carries for the school. Some former Eagle teachers who inspired him to return are Jeff Crandell, Steve Meyer, and current Theology teacher Jenny McConnell.

“I loved St. Thomas and was deeply influenced by a number of teachers here,” Johnson said. “I didn’t want to leave.”

Following his high school graduation, Johnson attended the University of St. Thomas and majored in Theology, with a minor in Latin and Philosophy. His plan was always to return to the halls of STH after college, but he worked with Boy Scouts of America for a brief stint before coming back home to Houston.

“It was the grace of God, the Holy Spirit, that I was able to get hired at St. Thomas,” he said. “It was my dream job to come back.”

In his time on the STH Theology team, he has taught every course that the department offers. Johnson currently teaches philosophy, Scripture, morality, and bioethics. He also serves as the faculty moderator for the Ad Altare Dei Society and Eagles for Life club.

“Being involved in Mr. Johnson’s clubs have profoundly shaped my time at St. Thomas,” Michael said. “These clubs have fostered lasting friendships, strengthened my leadership skills, and empowered me to advocate for life-affirming issues with confidence and knowledge of my Catholic faith.”

The Ad Altare Dei Society offers interested students the opportunity to learn and practice the honor of altar serving, ultimately realizing the gift of spiritual connection. The Latin words ‘Ad Altare Dei’ mean ‘to the altar of God’.

“It’s fun to teach them all the behind-the-scenes intricacies,” Johnson said. “There’s a lot of work that goes into it. You have to have a love for the Eucharist and a love for liturgy. You have to have attention to detail, knowing what comes next.”

In Eagles for Life, students participate in thought-provoking conversations on the meaning of life, its sanctity, and how these concepts apply to modern issues.

“The students take a lot of initiative,” Johnson said. “I try to meet them where they’re at and be a guide for them.”

According to the students involved in his classes and clubs, he will be an educator that they remember fondly after their high school days, much like the teachers who shaped Johnson during his school experience.

“Mr. Johnson genuinely cares about each student’s perspective, making us feel valued and heard,” Michael said. “Through his leadership in the AAD Society and Eagles for Life, he inspires us to think critically and act compassionately, leaving a lasting impact on my school experience.”

For students interested in joining Ad Altare Dei Society or Eagles for Life, please contact Casey Johnson at casey.johnson@sths.org.