Profile: Larry Johnson
Date: July 24, 2000
Lawrence Johnson, dean, College of Education
Year came UC: 1990
Educational Background:
Western Illinois University: B.S., Special Education
University of Illinois, Chicago: M.A., Special Education
University of Illinois Urbana: Ph.D.
Co-author of:
Blending Early Childhood and Early Childhood Special Education Practices:
Collaboration to Meet the Needs of Children and Their Families
Collaborative Practitioners, Collaborative Schools
Meeting the Needs of Special Students: Legal, Ethical and Practical
Ramifications
Teaching philosophy
When I got to college in the early 70s, I learned about socio-justice. I didn't become a
successful student until I got to college. Then I became a straight-A student. Somewhere
along the line I decided to focus on making a difference for kids and families who were
challenged by the system.
I presently do most of my work with graduate students, and I take a collaborative,
co-learning approach to projects. I want to get students involved in real research and real
activity, allowing both of us to learn and benefit from each other.
Interests outside UC teaching and research
I love to cook. I've won an award for my cooking. I grow my own garden, with green
peppers, tomatoes, cucumbers and green beans, and I can my special recipes including
spaghetti sauce, chili, barbecue, gumbo.
I've worked in a kitchen since I was a little boy. My mother worked, so it was my
role to cook for the family. I got my first job at a restaurant when I was 12 years old,
and continued working in the restaurant business until I was 25.
What makes UC distinctive for you
All of our connections with the community and the potential of the university to make a
difference in the lives of the families who live in the community. UC's nationally-recognized Cincinnati Initiative for Teacher Education (CITE) program not only gives
students experience through its teaching internship program, it also gives our staff the
opportunity to work with schools in our community. It's not common for a Research I
university to have that type of relationship.
The saying, "All Dreams are Welcome Here" really resonates with me. UC offers
everything from open access colleges to research-oriented programs.
What makes teaching and learning at UC distinctive
The opportunity to participate in so many activities. Our students get to go out and work
in challenging urban city schools.
What do you find fun and challenging about the UC community
Getting things done. If I can find a way to make things happen, I get a real kick out of
that.
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