Candice V Johnson

Tell us why you became a teacher

I was a Psychology major who had just lost my scholarship at the school of my dreams. A news story played in my background about students graduating from high schools and being functionally illiterate. I turned to listen better. I didn’t understand how this happened and I knew that none of my teachers allowed this. I changed my major and decided that I wanted to be the kind of teacher who once stood in front of me. I wanted to be a teacher who cared enough to try to change the narrative.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

I taught in a program for students who needed emotional support. On my first day, I was told that they needed several breaks. I introduced myself and I was told, they needed a break. I read to them and again, break. Without doing much, without any disruptions or events, I was instructed to give them a break. One day, during their break, it felt too quiet. I looked over in my library and they were all reading together. Resting on pillows and taking turns reading together.

What would you do with the $25,000?

Take a much needed vacation!