Tamara Johnson began her educational career in this neighborhood over 22 years ago as an Americorps VISTA Youth Educator with the Detroit SNAP Program after Graduating from the University of Michigan. Ms. Johnson believes it’s a positive sign, that at this time in her career, she returns to this neighborhood.

After completing her VISTA tour, Ms. Johnson worked in Philadelphia, PA where she taught sexual health and character development in 3rd-12th grades.  During this time Ms. Johnson realized that she had found her niche and returned back to Michigan to obtain her Masters of Arts in Teaching and teaching certificate from Wayne State University.

Ms. Johnson’s official teaching career began at Colin Powell Academy in August 2000 as a 4th grade teacher. She is proud that she is still in contact with18 of her original 24 students today. Before leaving Colin Powell Academy Ms. Johnson served as a curriculum leader and Assistant Principal.

In July 2010, Ms. Johnson became the Principal at University Prep Academy – Ellen Thompson Elementary. Ms. Johnson believes that this is the time in which she clearly developed her philosophy and vision of education and what she believes great schools look, sound and feel like. She is excited to work with the Bunche community to build our own community of relationships, engagement and learning so that our students are the best people and academic scholars that they can be.