Kerry Johnson

Lincoln, RI | 7-12, Mathematics, 2023

What motivates you to contribute to excellence in STEM teaching?

As a high school math teacher, I’m driven to make math meaningful and accessible for all students. I enjoy using new strategies to build conceptual understanding and confidence while connecting math to real-life skills and careers—from medicine to plumbing to personal finance. I aim to engage every learner and ensure they can succeed with high-quality, rigorous instruction.

What has been the most transformative moment that affirmed your impact on STEM education?

The most transformative moment that affirmed my impact on STEM education was presenting at the Rhode Island Superintendents' Convening in March 2025 to statewide school leadership teams. Sharing how the Building Thinking Classroom framework strengthens student understanding and confidence in math—and seeing the positive response from educational leaders—reinforced that my work is making a broader impact beyond my own classroom.

Using your platform as a Presidential Awardee, how do you hope to advance our nation in STEM?

As a Presidential Awardee, I hope to use my platform to share my passion for strengthening math instruction and supporting fellow educators. I want to help teachers improve student achievement and confidence by promoting effective, rigorous strategies that raise expectations while making math more accessible. I also aim to collaborate with state and national leaders to ensure teachers have the tools and support they need to help students become lifelong critical thinkers and problem-solvers.

Biography

Kerry Johnson has spent the past year teaching mathematics at Narragansett High School. With over a decade of experience, she has made significant contributions to mathematics education at various levels. Kerry began her career teaching mathematics at Cranston High School East for two years, followed by a nine-year tenure at Lincoln Public Schools, where she taught both middle and high school mathematics. It was during her time at Lincoln High School that she received this prestigious award. At Narragansett High School, Kerry has played a pivotal role in developing and implementing a problem-solving curriculum for Algebra 1 and Geometry, utilizing pedagogies from the Building Thinking Classroom framework. Her innovative approach to teaching mathematics focuses on real-world applications and inquiry-based lessons, making the subject engaging and relevant for her students. Kerry is dedicated to professional collaboration and growth. She opens her classroom to colleagues from her district, neighboring districts, and Math Specialists from the Rhode Island Department of Education to observe her problem-based instruction. This collaborative spirit extends to her previous role at Lincoln Public Schools, where she served as a member of the Math Curriculum Team and as a curriculum leader. Kerry's involvement in state and national conferences underscores her commitment to staying at the forefront of educational best practices. Kerry earned her B.A. in mathematics from the University of Rhode Island, where she also obtained her teaching certification through the MA/TCP program. She is a National Board Certified Teacher in Mathematics - Early Adolescence, reflecting her dedication to excellence in teaching.

High-resolution version of the teacher profile photograph

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