GSE Alum Demonstrates Resilience on the Road to Graduation
At Rutgers Graduate School of Education (GSE), Conrad L. Johnson’s most valuable lesson came from the community, not a textbook.
“A little more than halfway through my degree, I lost my mom prematurely,” Conrad said. “I thought I wasn’t going to finish my program because I wanted her to be there at my graduation this past May. Throughout all my graduations, from Pre-K to my first master’s, my mom was out there.
Not having her for the second one was difficult, but I know she was there with me in spirit,” he continued. “The support of Dr. Gail Verona, my professors, and my classmates during that time gave me the strength to finish strong. I learned to never give up and to stay the course, no matter how difficult the road gets.”
Growing up in a predominantly Caribbean neighborhood in Brooklyn, New York, Conrad felt drawn to teach.
“Teaching has always been a passion of mine,” Conrad said. “In my neighborhood, there were a lot of single-family homes with single moms raising kids. I wanted my students to see a familiar face in the classroom, someone they could relate to, share concerns with, and build a connection to,”
He continued, “It was important for them to see a reflection of themselves and instill values for the future – that if I can do it, they can do it too.”
As a Clinical Education Program Manager at the Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Conrad was searching for a flexible and convenient master’s program with the opportunity to get to know his professors one-on-one.
“My first master’s program lacked the undivided attention and support I was searching for,” Conrad said. “However, the cohort at the GSE is smaller, so you develop a close-knit connection with your cohort, your professors, and your advisor. They are willing to support you through all walks of life, no matter what your age is.”
Through the Ed.M. in Educational Administration and Supervision Program, Conrad discovered unexpected parallels between different generations in the classroom.
“Sharing my life experiences and engaging in discussions with students who were fresh from undergrad allowed me to look at things more holistically and take a different approach,” Conrad said. “We were able to bounce ideas off one another, and it was interesting to see their perspectives in comparison to my generation. The program had people of all different ages, but we came together as one.”
For Conrad, education is about making a lasting impact. When he was a teacher in Newark, he formed long-lasting connections with his students, both in and out of the classroom.
“One second grader would always come around to talk when he was feeling down,” Conrad said. “He wasn’t in my class, but we often talked over lunch. He’s playing basketball in high school now, and he still calls me to catch up. It’s amazing to see that a small action can make an everlasting impact on someone’s life.”
As an educator and leader, Conrad said he is deeply committed to advocating for students’ rights and empowering them, especially the students he works with as a substitute teacher in the Hamilton Township School District.
“The younger generation is inquisitive, willing to challenge different topics, and is taking ownership of their education,” Conrad said. “It’s important to speak up when the students feel voiceless or afraid to express their concerns because they fear being ridiculed or penalized. I was once a student, so I understand what it’s like to be on the other side of the classroom. Students should know they have an ally who will stand beside them.”
As he approaches his seventh year working within the Rutgers community, Conrad continues to lead with empathy and purpose.
“I don’t know what my future holds, but I see myself in a higher leadership or executive functioning role within the Rutgers family,” Conrad said. “The sky’s the limit.”