Eric Johnson draws his inspiration as a teacher from his roles as a husband and father. To do all three, one must challenge and support others to develop, mature, and work toward their goals. In his time at Northview Middle School, Eric has been committed to living and working in an urban district that is ethnically, racially, and socio-economically diverse. He teaches refugee students, ENL students, the academically gifted, and the academically challenged. As a social studies teacher, Eric endeavors to build relationships, create a safe environment that encourages academic risk-taking, and support students as they share and build upon their varied experiences to individually and collectively learn. Outside of the classroom, Eric uses his role as department chair to help shape and implement school and district initiatives, and leads professional development locally and nationally. Eric continues to seek ways to learn and lead, both of which he says are essential to his growth as a teacher.