Johnson is a nationally recognized authority on educational philosophy. During commencement ceremonies at Western Carolina, he was cited for his educational leadership and his commitment to “teaching for understanding of all students” from the pre-kindergarten to the graduate level. His textbook, Philosophical Documents in Education, is widely used in graduate education programs nationwide.

Johnson began his career teaching high school in Bryson City, Tenn. and junior high in Charlotte, N.C. He later earned his doctorate from the George Peabody College of Teachers in Nashville, Tenn. and then taught at Peabody and at the University of Texas at San Antonio.

Johnson later served as director of the Teachers Academy at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro and as academic dean of the West Chester University College of Education in west Chester, Penn. There he was a major player in several statewide initiatives to improve both teacher education and service to at-risk students.