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Karlene Johnson

Karlene Johnson

Associate Professor of Math/Science Education, Co-Director of the Traditional Teacher Education Program

Year Started at Greenville College: 2001
Office: Ladue Education Center, 4th Floor
Office Hours: Fall Semester: MWF 8:30-9:20; 12:30-1:20; or by appointment
Spring Semester: MWF 8:30-9:20; 10:30-11:20; or by appointment
Phone: (618) 664-6527
Email: karlene.johnson@greenville.edu

What's your favorite thing about working at Greenville College?

As an alum, GC has always held a special place in my heart. When I was initially hired on the faculty one of the first things I experienced was the faculty coming together in prayer over the existing/new students and their families. When I was a student here, I hadn't really contemplated that I was entering a community that was already in prayer and expectation over me. Community isn't merely a place to us; it is a way of being with one another.

What attracted you to Education, and how do you use it outside of the classroom?

I was originally interested in entering Medicine. After a practicum experience with a doctor, I felt strongly that God was leading me in another direction. After some time of seeking, I realized that the great pleasure I felt from the experiences I had as a Teaching Assistant (during grad school) and a Lab Assistant (at GC) was an indicator that Education was the path I should take. I have never regretted this decision! I love that I get the opportunity to engage with young people for at least a year, building relationships that equip and empower them for future action. The field of Education has also been very good to me. I have had opportunities to teach in day and boarding schools, in the U.S. and overseas.

Education

Ph.D. in Science and Mathematics Education, Curtin University of Technology, Perth, Australia, 2006
M.Sci.Ed. Curtin University of Technology, Perth, Australia, 1999
B.A. Greenville College, Greenville, IL 1984

Dissertation Title

Preservice Teachers' Metacognition: The Use of Metaphor to Explore Perceptions of Teaching and Learning (2006)

Professional Affiliations

1998 Presentation at Science in the South Conference: "A Constructivist, Hands-on Unit on Density."
2000 "Constructive Evaluations" published in the February 2000 issue of the Science Teacher journal
National Science Teachers Association
National Council of Teachers of Mathematics

Related Experiences

Manager (2 yrs) of the National-Science Technology Roadshow of New Zealand
1997 Excellence in Science Teaching Award
1998 Walmart Teacher of the Year Award