LOUISVILLE, Ky.- There's no disputing that retired Army Colonel Fred Johnson has a lot of courage. It goes beyond his days in combat. He heard about a teacher shortage in Louisville, and decided to personally do something about it.
"Did what every adult does, went onto Facebook and complained about it," Col. Johnson said. "Sure enough somebody came back and says, 'Yeah, there's a way to go through the Department of Education here in Kentucky and get your certification as a veteran if you had served over six years and had a bachelor’s degree.' Well I have two master's degree and I served about 30 years so I just kind of wanted to see is this really for real."
Two days later, at the age of 57, he found himself front and center in a classroom of middle schoolers at the Thomas Jefferson Middle School. Almost every child receives free or reduced lunches.
Col. Johnson teaches Social Studies, and he considers his duty a privilege.
"A teacher, they come in here every day doing a strategic mission for our nation and it's hard work. I just wish and hope America understands just how difficult it is but how rewarding it is as well," Col. Johnson said.
He describes his relationship with the other teachers as a team of teams. He's committed to being all-in everyday. He shows kindness and compassion to his students, and says he found his purpose at the school.
"I go to bed at night with their names and faces in my head and I wake with them in the morning and then I come here and I see whether it's Keion or whether it's Alicia or whoever it is and that they're safe and that they are well. And, that they are ready to come to school and they are here. Does my heart well to know that they are here and ready to do the work. It's just a wonderful opportunity to in some ways be young again too," Col. Johnson said.
Their energy keeps him going.
"I had a really bad day one day and I’m sitting at the end of classroom, I was defeated. I had my arms crossed and one of the students looked up and said 'Col. Johnson can I give you a hug?' you know, and got out of her seat and she hugged me. I said, 'This is what it's all about." Col. Johnson said.
Veterans are qualified for this route if you:
- Were discharged or released from active duty under honorable conditions after six years of active duty immediately before the discharge or release;
- Have a bachelor's degree in the subject matter or related area for which certification is sought;
- Have a GPA of 2.75 for a bachelor's degree or hold an advanced degree; and
- Have passing scores on Education Professional Standards Board of Kentucky-approved subject matter assessments.