#WhyIChoseEducation: Justin Johnson

As part of Celebrating 90 Years of NC State Education, we asked you to share your stories of why you chose education and why you love the NC State College of Education. Below is one of the many stories we received demonstrating how we’re leading the way in education in North Carolina and beyond.

Name: Justin Johnson
Graduation Year: 2013
Program: Master of Arts in Teaching (Elementary Education)
Career Role & Responsibilities: I work for Wake County Public School System as a Kindergarten Teacher at Brooks Museums Magnet Elementary School. I teach all core subjects, lead on my school’s magnet committee, lead professional development, and help co-direct my school’s 4th and 5th grade chorus. 

Why did you enter the field of education?
I started teaching full-time in 2013 after I graduated. Prior to that, I served as a substitute teacher in WCPSS from 2010-2013. I chose to enter the field of education because I love working with children and their enthusiasm for learning. As a kindergarten teacher, I get to see a huge amount of social, emotional, and academic growth over the course of the school year. I get to take part in developing citizens of the 21st century and prepare students for our fast-paced, connected world. I love seeing the light in a child’s face when something finally clicks and they “get it!” We get to laugh, learn, and just be silly together. Teaching gives me hope for the future.

Why did you choose to earn your degree from the NC State College of Education?
I chose to earn my degree from NC State College of Education because of the program’s great reputation. I also had direct contact with other teachers and student teachers who had gone through NC State’s College of Education who encouraged me to go for it when I was substitute teaching and working a full-time job. The Masters in Education program was a phenomenal experience and changed my career path and my life for the better!