Menu

Adair White Johnson

Adair

White Johnson

Adair White Johnson

Adjunct Faculty

Department
Research
Institution
Saybrook University
Email
Biography

My PhD. was earned from the University of Buffalo in the Sociology of Education, and my professional experiences include serving as a Professional School Counselor until my retirement 10 years ago. I've also been teaching and mentoring students at the graduate level for the past twenty-five years.

As a mother of five, I am cognizant of how different my children are. As a result, I must respond to them differently. One of my children has Asperger's Syndrome; another is Dyslexic while another has tested "gifted." Knowing this, I must embrace the Special Education philosophy "If you cannot learn in the way I teach then I will teach in the way that you learn" in my relationships with them. I extend this mode of thinking into the courses I teach as well.

The information shared above leads me to describe my teaching style a bit...I am a Socratic instructor...I pose thought-provoking questions that help learners critically think and analyze to reach the higher levels on Bloom's Taxonomy.

Areas of Expertise
Area Expertise
Research Design/Methodology Qualitative Inquiry
Education History
Degree Institution Year
PhD SUNY Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 1996
EdM SUNY Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 1987
B.A. Daemen University, Amherst, NY 1986
Certificate of Advanced Studies SUNY Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 1988
Question and Answer
Describe your teaching philosophy or your approach to working with students.

I embrace a Socratic style of teaching.
Provide a statement or philosophy regarding your professional practice.

My philosophy of education begins with the simple motto, “I do what I know best, and when I know better, I do better.” Embracing this ideology allows me to remain flexible but consistent, clear, concise, productive, and persistent. I believe this is important as an educator because the mission of education is to educate the masses to move them toward social change. The six organizing ideas of education are demonstrated through the creation of courses, instructional delivery, and mastery of content. These ideas include power, ideology, history, culture, quality, and equality. I develop my lesson plans and execute the specific behavioral objectives through the lens of organizing ideas. I firmly believe that it is my role as an educator to cultivate and encourage high scholastic achievement among all learners…it’s not just my job; it is my responsibility.
Why did you choose to enter your professional area(s)?

My passion to bring volume to silenced voices and share the stories of marginalized populations.
What advice would you give a student entering Saybrook University?

Consistency is a key component to success. Create a plan and consistently work it.
Curriculum Vitae
Download