George Lee Johnson Jr.
Dr. George Lee Johnson Jr. is the acting chair of the South Carolina State University Department of Education and academic coordinator of the Special Education Program.
Johnson holds multiple roles that allow him to contribute significantly to the field of education. As the professor and program coordinator of special education, He is responsible for ensuring that SC State’s special education programs meet CAEP (Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation) and SPA (Specialized Professional Associations) standards. He develops and teaches courses in special education and educational psychology, providing future educators with the knowledge and skills they need to support diverse learners.
In addition to his teaching responsibilities, he supervises student teachers during their professional field practicum, offering guidance and support as they transition from theory to practice. His role also involves mentoring faculty and facilitating professional development programs to ensure that teaching methods remain current and effective.
As the acting chair of the Department of Education, he oversees the department’s administrative functions, including curriculum development and faculty evaluations. He works to create a transformative educational environment that emphasizes culturally relevant pedagogical approaches. This includes fostering an inclusive and supportive atmosphere for both students and faculty.
One of his key responsibilities is to ensure that the department’s programs and curricula are research-based and aligned with best practices in education. This involves continuous program evaluation and improvement to maintain high standards of academic excellence.
He also is actively involved in initiatives aimed at increasing the recruitment and
retention of diverse educators. This includes working on projects such as the Next
Generations of Black STEM Teachers (NGBST) Consortium, which seeks to increase the
number of highly trained and certified Black STEM teachers for both rural and urban
school districts.
Overall, his work at SC State is driven by a commitment to educational equity and
social justice. He strives to empower educators and students alike, fostering environments
where all individuals can thrive and achieve their full potential.
Background
Johnson started working at South Carolina State University in 2007, and he has since
held various roles that have allowed him to contribute significantly to the field
of education.
Before joining South Carolina State University, he worked as an assistant professor
of special education at the University of West Georgia, where he contributed to the
Special Education and Speech-Language Pathology Department. He also served as a special
education area coordinator for the Beaufort County School District in South Carolina,
ensuring compliance under IDEA and supervising special education programs.
Throughout his career, he has achieved numerous milestones. He co-edited the award-winning
book “We Be Lovin’ Black Children: Learning to Be Literate about the African Diaspora,”
which received the Outstanding Book Award from the Society of Professors of Education.
His research focuses on equity pedagogies, culturally relevant teaching, and the education
of culturally and linguistically diverse students. He has published extensively in
peer-reviewed journals and presented my work at international conferences.
His dedication to education extends beyond the United States. He has participated in and coordinated various Fulbright-Hays Group Research Projects Abroad, including immersive educational projects in Ghana, Nigeria, and Barbados. These international experiences have enriched my perspective on global education and informed his culturally relevant pedagogical approaches.
He has also been recognized with several grants and awards, including co-investigating Fulbright-Hays projects and securing significant funding for initiatives like the Next Generations of Black STEM Teachers (NGBST) Consortium. His ongoing commitment to social justice and educational equity continues to inspire and impact educators and students alike.
Education
- Ph.D. in Educational Psychology (Special Education/ED), University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC. Cognate: Cultural and Linguistic Diversity, 2004.
- M.A.T. in Education of Students with Emotional and Behavioral Disorders, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, 1995.
- M.Ed. in Management, Cambridge College, Cambridge, MA, 1988
- B.A. in Government/Political Theory. University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA
Research Interests
- Culturally Relevant Pedagogy
- Special Education Law and Policy
- Social Justice and Equitable Education
- Disproportionality of Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Students in Special Education
- Place-Based Education
Courses
SPED 216, SPED 332, SPED SPED 327, SPED 562, SPED 550 ED 602, SPED 425, ED 430, ED 206, EPSY 250
More about Dr. George Lee Johnson Jr.
"I have a deep commitment to advancing educational equity and social justice, which is reflected in my scholarly work and professional endeavors. I have co-edited the award-winning book We Be Lovin’ Black Children: Learning to Be Literate about the African Diaspora, which received the Outstanding Book Award from the Society of Professors of Education. My research has been published in numerous peer-reviewed journals, including the International Journal of Qualitative Studies in Education and the International Critical Childhood Policy Studies Journal. I have also presented my work at various international conferences, sharing insights on culturally relevant pedagogy and African diaspora literacy. My international experience includes participation and coordination in Fulbright-Hays Group Research Projects Abroad in Ghana, Nigeria, and Barbados. These projects have provided me with a global perspective on education and have informed my approaches to teaching and research. Additionally, I have served as a Visiting Scholar at institutions such as Elizabeth Cowan University in Perth, Australia, and the University of Uyo in Nigeria. Beyond my professional work, I have a passion for mentoring the next generation of educators. I am actively involved in initiatives that support the recruitment and retention of diverse teachers, such as the Next Generations of Black STEM Teachers (NGBST) Consortium. My goal is to create transformative educational environments that empower both educators and students. On a personal note, I enjoy exploring different cultures and histories through travel, particularly the African diaspora, which has significantly influenced my professional work. I am also an avid reader, particularly of literature related to social justice, education, and African American history. In my free time, I enjoy the gym, running and spending time with my family. I am deeply committed to the continuous improvement of educational practices and policies that promote equity and excellence for all students. My work is driven by a belief in the transformative power of education and a dedication to fostering inclusive and supportive learning environments ."