Monique Johnson ('05), a fifth and sixth grade math teacher at Rothenberg Prep Academy in the Cincinnati Public Schools District, had her professional life turned upside down when COVID-19 made its way to the U.S.

Suddenly tasked with changing her curriculm for her students, many of whom do not have access to reliable internet or technology, she found herself in a situation she never would have dreamed about.

Johnson is no stranger to overcoming difficult circumstances. As a child, she was struck by a car, forcing her to stay at home for a year to recover. It was at this time that she found her love for school and teachers.

“The care that my homebound teacher showed me made me know I wanted to be a teacher when I grew up,” she says. "When I step into the classroom, every day is different. I can be an actress, I can be a musician, I can turn into anything I want to be. I love to see the lightbulb come on when students figure it out. It brings me so much joy."

However, right now there is no physical classroom, no stage to perform, no opportunity to flip the switch to see those lightbulbs shine. Johnson worries that some students may fall behind but also recognizes that this may be a blessing for some students to become more self-sufficient learners. No matter the case, she is excited to continue working with her amazing students.