Daniel Johnson is an Elementary Education major who is pursuing a minor in history. The Lexington, N.C., native is scheduled to graduate in May of 2027.
Why Did you Choose UNCG?
My wife is a UNCG education alumna, and always spoke so highly of her experience in the program. After completing my associate’s degree at the community college level, choosing UNCG was honestly an easy decision. It was the only school I applied to because I already knew how great the education program was and had heard firsthand about the experience from someone I trust.
What is your favorite place on campus?
My favorite place on campus is the TRC (Teaching Resources Center) in the (Evenson) Building. I spend about 99% of my downtime between classes there. It has become a place where I can study, work on assignments, and spend time with my “teacher” friends.
What activities and organizations are you involved in on campus?
I am a member of UNCG’s student chapter of NCAE, a Spartan Education Scholar, as well as the Historian for the Kappa Delta Pi – Phi Epsilon Chapter.
What experience at UNCG has had the most significant impact on you?
Being part of my mentor group in the Elementary Education program in the School of Education has had the most significant impact on me. Having a group of like-minded people who share my passion for education, along with the guidance of a faculty mentor, has been a great experience. It has given me a sense of community and helped me feel more connected to the program and the people around me.
What has been your favorite class and why?
As someone minoring in history, I’ve enjoyed all my history classes; however, my favorite has been TED360, Integrating Social Studies in Elementary Grades. I have always enjoyed learning about the past, but this class helped me think about history from a teacher’s perspective. I really enjoyed learning how to make social studies engaging and meaningful for elementary students and how to connect history to students’ lives and the world around them.
What are your career goals?
My goal is to become an elementary school teacher, ideally working with upper elementary students. I want to create a classroom where students feel loved, included, and comfortable being themselves. In the long term, I hope to continue growing as an educator and make a positive impact on the students and families I serve.
What made you want to choose a career in This Field?
I chose a career in education because of the impact my own teachers had on me growing up. School was an important source of stability in my childhood, and I had teachers who made me feel safe, supported, and valued. Those experiences showed me how much a teacher can impact a child’s life, and I want to provide that same kind of support and encouragement to my future students.
What advice would you give a student considering UNCG and the School of Education?
I would tell them that UNCG and the School of Education are a great place to prepare for a career in education. You get opportunities to learn from professors with real experience in the field, work with students in actual classrooms, and build relationships with other people who are passionate about education. If you want a program that will prepare you for what it is really like to be a teacher, I think UNCG is worth considering.
How has the Spartan Education Scholars Program Impacted Your Experience at UNCG?
The Spartan Education Scholars Program has made a significant impact on my experience at UNCG. The financial support has allowed me to focus more on my education and spend less time worrying about how I will pay for school. I have also really enjoyed meeting educators from around the world through opportunities to connect with Fulbright Scholars during their time at UNCG. Getting to hear about their experiences in education and learn about different perspectives has made my experience at UNCG even more meaningful.
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