Meet Theresa Johnson of The Children’s Courtyard at Mansfield

Today we’d like to introduce you to Theresa Johnson.

Theresa, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I was raised in Stop 6, a lower-income neighborhood in Fort Worth, but my parents made sure that I understood where a person is raised does not necessarily define them, or what they will become in life. My parents ensured that I understood how important education was and made sure I received a good education, as well. I initially attended Paul Laurence Dunbar High school in the Science and Engineering magnet program. Once I became a senior in high school, I decided that science was not my passion and that I definitely had NO plans on becoming an engineer, so I ended up graduating with an advanced diploma from the greater school instead of the magnet program in 1992. I was fortunate to have both of my parents in our household, not very common for my peers. I feel as if my parents did an amazing job in sheltering me from the elements of our neighborhood, meaning I never fully understood the dynamics of living in the “hood.” We were never rich in finances, but rich in love and support. I have always liked to earn money by completing chores, but couldn’t wait to be able to get a job of my own! My first job, at age 16, was at Footlocker. I spent four years working in the retail industry. For some reason, children would always seem to gravitate towards me, whether it be to talk to me or show me their favorite sneakers. I’ve always loved and adored children, especially little preschool children. With this being said, I decided to step into unknown territory and apply to work in the childcare industry.

I was hired by The Children’s Courtyard as a teacher in 1994. During this time, I was attending Tarrant County College taking college courses with no direction in life, I knew I needed to be enrolled in school to stay on my parent’s insurance (lol). After working hands-on with young children at Children’s Courtyard, I finally figured it out, I completed my Associate’s degree in Child Development in 1997, and over the next ten years worked my way up to becoming a Master Teacher. As a Master Teacher, I trained early childhood professionals in classroom management, positive discipline and guidance, and curriculum. Once I jumped in and learned, I really could make a positive difference in the lives of young children, I knew I had found my destiny, my reason for existing, and childcare was going to be my career of choice. In 2007, I was offered a Campus Director position at one of our larger campuses, and at this point, I felt like I understood the whole child and what they needed to have a meaningful early childhood experience. I then felt like I was ready to learn the business side of running a Preschool, so I went back to college and earned my Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management all while continuing to fulfill my duties as a Campus Director. Believe it or not, for 17 years of my career of working with children, I had no children of my own. I had my first son in 2011, and it was a feeling unlike any other, being able to take my son to work with me to a building where I was the director.

As 2012 approached, I once again decided to step out on faith and pursue another degree for self-gratification. This time I accomplished the task of earning my Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Studies with a specialty in teaching and diversity, and during this process, I juggled my education, a career in a struggling school, as well as being a single mother of a toddler. I also live for training adults in the Early Childhood profession! I have taught Child Development Associate credential classes, as well as training topics from all levels, in the world of early childhood education. I love the look of caregivers, new and tenured when that light bulb comes on and they actually get it! I make sure they understand we are professionals, we do make a difference, and we have one of the most important jobs ever, molding our future. We can make or break a young child for life! The most impactful milestone of my career was in July of 2014. I had a building dedicated to me after 20 years in the Early Childhood industry. Who can honestly say that at 40 years old, they have a building with their name on it? This was a monumental moment for me that I shared with many families that I touched throughout my career! In May 2015, I gave birth to my second son at 41 years old and needless to say, he attends my school also and I love being able to be hands-on with his development. I am so blessed God has placed me in a position to have a job that I love, and I can honestly say I make a difference in the lives of so many children and their families. I cry at every Pre K graduation. I cry ugly, real tears, I really do! Because I know that my teachers and I have given our children the very best start in building a successful educational career and a good life!

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Throughout my career as a Campus Director, I have dealt with some uncomfortable situations such as people walking right past me looking for the director, because it didn’t occur to them that a young, African-American woman could be the director of the school. I like proving them wrong every time! I’ve learned so much about different cultures and backgrounds; and that everyone brings some prejudices out into the world with them, whether they recognize it or not. That knowledge has aided me in helping some who may have an issue with a teacher being from a different background or a different lifestyle and accepting them as professional teachers and caregivers. One of my biggest struggles has been criticism. There are some that believe I should have utilized my degrees and experience in lower-income, urban communities, such as the neighborhood where I was raised…. When I look at children that is all I see are CHILDREN… not socioeconomic backgrounds, underprivileged, privileged, well off, color, culture, etc. I see little people that have only been on Earth for a very short period of time. They need to be nurtured, hugged, held, respected, and molded for life. With so much negative coverage in the childcare industry in the news and social media, I feel it is imperative to let society know the majority of individuals in the childcare field truly and genuinely love with a passion, what they do each and every day! I am one of those people! 25 years of caring! We rarely hear about the positive experiences on the news and social media. We never hear about the director who feels helpless when one of her 5-year-olds is in tears, he misses his mommy, and there’s nothing she can do to bring his mommy back because cancer took her away. We never hear about the caregiver that sits on the floor and reads to infants, introducing them to literacy. We never hear about the caregiver that helped a toddler take their first steps. We never hear about the caregiver that taught a two-year-old how to self soothe. We never hear about the caregiver that taught a three-year-old how to express their feelings to their friend without forcing them to apologize. We never hear about the caregiver that taught a four-year-old how to write their name and sound out the letters. Sometimes, I feel like screaming at the top of my lungs, “Please do not give up on the childcare industry!”

This is not an industry that should be financially driven, it requires a special individual driven by the genuine love of young children!

Please tell us about The Children’s Courtyard at Mansfield.
The Children’s Courtyard at Mansfield is known for providing an exceptional school experience with caring, dedicated teachers. The curriculum we follow is specialized and proven through research to effectively prepare children, age six weeks through 12 years, for educational success. Personally, I am proud of the fact I’ve led a school through the accreditation process, to becoming a higher-performing school, in turn delivering high-quality education to our students, and the community.

If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
Nothing. Not a thing! I am exactly where I am supposed to be. I am not a babysitter, I do not “watch” children, I am not a daycare worker. I am an Early Childhood Professional. I am reminded every year at my Pre K graduation, and every day when the children start arriving with smiles on their faces and confidence in their steps. I played a major part in that. Ask my kiddos from 25 years ago. They remember me…

Contact Info:

• Address: 3701 East Broad
  Mansfield, Texas 76063
• Website: https://www.childrenscourtyard.com/your-local-school/mansfield-tx-3020/
• Phone: 817-477-8037
• Email: tjohnson@childrenscourtyard.com

Image Credit:
Mikal Fresco Urbanography

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