Classroom Conversations: Ms. Johnson and Michael
When The Huddle approached Ms. Winnie Johnson about which of her 5th graders she may want to sit down and have an interview conversation with, there was no hesitation: Michael E.
She was also hopeful that Michael would be interested in participating, too, so long as he could talk about his favorite sitcom somewhere in the mix. The show in question, Ms. Johnson tells us, is about an incredibly bright student – the titular Young Sheldon – and the intelligence she sees echoed in her brilliant scholar, Michael. The two have bonded over their love for the show.
Connection is a hallmark of USN culture, and this is a glimpse into the dialogues that define our campuses. Below, Ms. Johnson and Michael sit between classes at a roundtable to interview each other and share thoughts on big goals, generational difference, and their appreciation for one another.
The Huddle: Where are we right now?
Ms. Johnson: We’re at United Preparatory Academy — this is the east side!
Michael: Mmhmm, United Preparatory Academy - East.
The Huddle: And who are you two, what are your guys’ names, and how do you two know each other?
Michael: I know you because you’re my teacher!
Ms. Johnson: I know Michael because I am his 5th-grade teacher — and he’s pretty amazing. Do you want to get started with the first question, Michael?
Michael: How can I be the best student this year? Or, at least, a better student this year?
Ms. Johnson: You [already] show up as your best self every day. That’s why you were Polar Bear of the Month! You show every character trait of what it means to be your best self. There’s never been a day where I’ve given directions, and there’s then been rebuttal statements from you, or you’ve never tried your best.
That’s one thing I love about you, Michael: you keep calm and peace in the chaos and storm.
Michael: What made you want to teach your grade level? Or at this school?
Ms. Johnson: So, honestly, I’ve never taught 5th grade! 5th grade was one of the only elementary grades I’ve never taught. I have taught second, third, and fourth… skipped fifth-grade and went to sixth.
So, when I was applying, I talked to John Dues — maybe one day you’ll meet John, Michael, he’s one of the really big, famous people at UPrep-East. He said a fifth-grade position was open and asked, “Would you be interested?” I said, “Sure, John, let’s do it!” Now, here I am!
Michael: Interesting story! Do you want to ask a question now?
Ms. Johnson: Yeah, I can ask you a question. What is your favorite thing about my class?
Michael: My favorite thing about your class is… you. You are still so resilient in teaching us fifth-graders.
Ms. Johnson, gasping: Oh! You’re going to make me cry! I might just cry. Michael, you just made my day. Well, thank you. I appreciate you.
Ms. Johnson: Okay, let’s talk about Young Sheldon, my friend. What do you like so much about this show?
Michael: What I like so much is that Sheldon is really smart.
Ms. Johnson: I like Young Sheldon because Sheldon loves learning and experimenting.
Michael: Yeah!
Ms. Johnson: He doesn’t limit himself to his age. That’s one thing I love about you: you let your mind go beyond your years. I’m actually jealous because, when I was your age, I very much felt confined to one thing. I feel like your generation is doing many great things. I don’t want to be a Gen Alpha or anything. I love being a millennial, but we were not given the [Gen A] cheat code to succeed. You guys are all entrepreneurs now!
Michael: Maybe the next generation will do better things!
Ms. Johnson: That’s the beauty of it, right? It’s that every generation teaches you something new. The hope is that society grows with that generation.
[Another] reason [why I relate to] Sheldon is… well, I don’t know if I’ve told you guys, but I’m in a Ph.D. program!
Michael: Nice!
Ms. Johnson: I consider myself a lifelong learner. I just love learning. I was even considering going to law school after my Ph.D. program.
Michael: What exactly is a Ph.D.? What does that stand for?
Ms. Johnson: That’s a really good question. A Ph.D. is a “Doctor of Philosophy.” You’re just someone who conducts research and tries to answer complex questions. My area of focus is going to be education. [Michael nods approvingly.]
People have PhDs in theology, sociology, and biology, but where have I spent seven years other than in education?
Michael: I’m thinking about a couple of things I could do. Maybe I should be a math or English teacher!
Ms. Johnson: Do it! Do it! If you want to do it, do it!
Michael: So, what are your goals for this year?
Ms. Johnson: I’m excited to make it to June with you all!
Michael: Nice.
Ms. Johnson: We will. We hit turbulence, then we come back, we hit turbulence, then it’s cool. I think my goal is to continue learning about you all. I started so late in the school year.
Michael: No, you didn’t!
Ms. Johnson: I guess I came in for the best part.
Michael: Yes, the best part.
Ms. Johnson: I want us to continue learning, growing, and being our best selves. I hope you guys are learning from me as I’m learning from you. I want you guys always to be better than me.
Michael: I don’t think that’s a real possibility!
Ms. Johnson: Why? You can be better than your teacher! The goal is for you to be better than Ms. Johnson — to say to yourself, “What was Ms. Johnson not able to do as a kid? What didn’t she accomplish?” In a couple of years, I want you to achieve everything I couldn’t.
I was very insecure as a kid, but you have a lot of confidence, my friend. I want you to keep holding on to that. The fact that you know who you are and you can stand on that, I love that.
Michael: What about your hopes for us fifth graders?
Ms. Johnson: My hope for you all is that you leave the building as the future generation of people who will, one day, challenge systems, challenge norms, and be better versions of the society that we have today.
I hope you all grow up and have good character and treat people well — and I hope, regardless of whether you agree or disagree with someone, you still see them as human. I just hope you grow up and be successful!
Michael: Me too!
Ms. Johnson: Yeah! The goal is 40-50 years from now (when I’m retired in Turks and Caicos), I will see the beautiful work you all have done.
Michael: That’s my goal, too. And all of us are having a good year.
Ms. Johnson: So far, I think you’ve done well. It was nice having this interview with you.
As they walked through the halls, Ms. Johnson could be overheard asking Michael, “Do you think I’m cool, by the way?” in response to these interviews described as “taking place between cool students and their cool teachers.” Unequivocally, Michael said, “Yes.” Thank you to Ms. Johnson and Michael for sitting with The Huddle and exemplifying the humor, joy, and connection that defines our relationships, learning, and growing at USN.
