Simmons College

B.A.
Simmons College

M.S.
Simmons College

C.A.G.S.
Boston University

Early in her career, Lynda Johnson worked as an editor for a major publishing house, but the job soon lost its appeal. What she really wanted to do was teach.

"I wanted to make a difference," said Johnson. "I read Death at An Early Age by Jonathan Kozol, and then went to the Boston Public Schools and requested a challenging post, and was hired to teach at the James Condon School in South Boston. The successes and many challenges of those first years in an urban classroom made an indelible mark and helped shape my career choices."

Johnson has used her education expertise to make a measurable difference in the Boston area, and around the world. She has designed millions of dollars in federal and state grants for initiatives such as literacy, students at risk, and programs for diverse learners. She served as the senior advisor for Boston Public School's elementary programs, and she continues to advise school systems and universities, both nationally and internationally, about topics such as cooperative learning. She recently co-edited a collection of essays, Mentoring Works: A Sourcebook for School Leaders.

But Johnson said that working with her Simmons students and colleagues gives her the greatest satisfaction.

"It's very rewarding to help grow Simmons' graduate education programs and to recruit and retain top-notch faculty," she said. "Our faculty and students work as a team, so the connections are many, and the relationships are long. Moreover, Simmons education students are a remarkably heterogeneous group -- former layers, airline pilots, and academics are in class with actresses and camp counselors. Insightful, intelligent, and committed, they are a joy to know and teach."