Kristen Johnson teaching students in her classroom at Carteret Middle School | https://gse.rutgers.edu/
From the sports field to the classroom, Kristen Johnson has combined her passions for coaching and education. Despite initial hesitations due to past experiences with conflict and bullying, she pursued teaching to foster a positive school culture. "I was hesitant about going into teaching, especially after many of my experiences with conflict and bullying growing up," she said. "However, I knew I wanted to be directly involved in fostering a positive school culture—I loved the idea of teaching and helping others learn."
Johnson's background as a three-sport athlete in high school influenced her teaching style. She explained, "When I was a child, my dad asked me what position I wanted to play. He said, ‘Do you want to be involved in some plays or most of them?’" Choosing catcher because it involved being part of most plays mirrors her approach to teaching.
For 12 years, Johnson has taught ancient history at Carteret Middle School after earning her degree from Rutgers' Graduate School of Education (GSE). Her approach blends social-emotional learning with social studies. "There are so many lessons about how we can treat one another," she said.
Her coaching mentality influences her teaching philosophy. "I started to thrive as a teacher when I took on a bit more of a coaching mentality," she noted. As an advisor for programs like the Positive Behavioral Support Program, Johnson encourages students to view education with open minds.
Johnson’s dedication earned her the 2024 Middlesex County Teacher of the Year award. Reflecting on this honor, she said, "As Middlesex County Teacher of the Year, I constantly ask myself, ‘What work can be done to push New Jersey’s education system forward? How do I empower my coworkers, the people around me, and my students to do more?’"
She credits Rutgers' GSE for providing an efficient pathway into teaching and preparing her for success both inside and outside the classroom. "The GSE set me up for success as a leader," she said.
Johnson emphasizes that teaching is about building connections with students beyond academic content. "You have to let your students know that they are safe in your classroom and that you are a trusted adult," she concluded.
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