By John Robert Morton, Student and Alumni Affairs Liaison, and Joshua Johnson, AMU Student and Graduate
For many servicemembers, life after the military marks the beginning of a new chapter. Veterans often transition into careers that allow them to continue serving their communities.
American Military University (AMU) alumnus Joshua Johnson turned his military service into an opportunity to enter the classroom. Teaching American’s youth provides Joshua the chance to continue his dedication to serving the next generation.
From Team Sports to Military Service
Joshua enlisted in the Connecticut National Guard at 17, drilling one weekend a month. Throughout his senior year of high school, he was a sports team captain, an all-league athlete and a member of the National Honor Society.
After high school, Joshua took advantage of his National Guard experience and joined the Army. “I became an Army journalist and graduated from the Defense Information School with a degree in public affairs,” he says.
In the Army, he later became a chef and was recognized for his excellence. “I was an award-winning Army chef and a steward for the Fort Bliss Distinguished Visitor Quarters Program.”
Building on Previous Education
While in the service, Joshua began to look for opportunities to improve his education. He earned associate degrees in theater arts and hospitality management from Connecticut State Community College, followed by a bachelor’s degree in management from Post University.
However, he saw these three degrees as a foundation to additional education. “At the time, I still viewed college as a stepping-stone rather than an end in itself,” he adds.
Wanting to further his education, Joshua found AMU and decided to enroll. He earned an master’s degree in business administration and a master’s degree in public administration.
Joshua notes that it was AMU’s administrative support that kept him on track. “AMU’s professors are scholar-practitioners rather than pure academics, and the support services are dialed into the unique needs of student veterans.”
His own drive and AMU’s support helped Joshua reach his educational goals.
Moving into Civilian Life and Teaching Students
With his education under his belt, Joshua turned his attention to civilian life. “I took the quickest path to the classroom. Connecticut’s Alternate Route to Certification program condenses the contents of a multi-year degree into a nine-month accelerated curriculum,” he says.
Joshua took advantage of every program available in Connecticut to achieve his professional goals. “I also participated in Connecticut’s Durational Shortage Area Program, which gives teacher candidates their own classroom while they earn their educator certificate,” he adds.
The combination of military experience and education put Joshua in a position to utilize both as he pursued a new career as a teacher.
Advice to Aspiring Teachers
Joshua’s professional journey reflects both distinction and adaptability. “I’m currently a high school business teacher at Connecticut’s Wilby High School and an adjunct professor at Post University,” he explains.
He also provides some advice for any others looking to follow his path.Joshua encourages aspiring teachers, especially veterans, to practice vulnerability and cultivate a growth mindset.
“Remember that students are assigned, but followers are earned,” he advises. “Meaningful connections cannot be forged through a suit of emotional armor. As adults, teachers should be the first to take a leap of faith.”
“Students learn more by observing adults than by what is said during a lesson. Teachers cannot rely solely on positional authority. They must discover and develop their own style of charisma and presence. Of Max Weber’s three types of authority – traditional, legal-rational, and charismatic – students are most responsive to charismatic leadership.”
About the Author
John Robert Morton is a Student & Alumni Affairs Liaison and has been with the University for 16 years. His bachelor’s degree in European history is from Troy University in Troy, Alabama. He also completed master’s degrees in political science and sports management from American Military University. As a liaison, John Robert enjoys helping students and alumni achieve their personal and professional goals.
About Our Department
The AMU and APU Alumni Affairs Office is dedicated to sustaining lifelong relationships with university alumni by providing engaging opportunities to stay involved and connected. We work closely with various stakeholders to strengthen the alumni experience and offer numerous benefits, services, activities, and events throughout the year.
As a team, the Alumni Affairs team works to build and sustain relationships with alumni along their personal and professional journeys. We actively look for ways to recognize and showcase alumni, telling their stories to motivate and encourage students to pursue their goals.
If you are an alumni community member and looking for ways to remain actively involved, please get in touch with alumni@apus.edu and speak with a team member.
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