Born and raised in Ohio, James Scott Johnson is a professor and teacher at Sinclair Community College. Mr. Johnson, or as he prefers to be called, Scott, first discovered his gift of writing when he attempted to write a script for his favorite TV show, “Charlie’s Angels.”
This work was never published, but it was the start of a journey that would lead him away from the television screen, through Bill Knapp’s restaurant, out of an insurance office and into the classroom.
During his younger years, he worked his first job as a busboy at the now discontinued family restaurant chain, Bill Knapp’s restaurant. Here he was taught hard work and responsibility.
But it wasn’t all easy going for Scott. Many years later, he found himself in a rather comfortable position as an employee of an insurance company. Unfortunately, Scott was downsized and forced to find another job.
Seeing this as an opportunity to do what he loves, he got his masters and graduated from Southern New Hampshire University in 2014, becoming a college professor.
He now teaches English 1101 and 1201 at multiple Sinclair campuses. In addition, he teaches an engineering composition class at Clark State University. In this class, he instructs engineers who have no interest in being a writer how to apply writing to engineering.
Scott explained the importance of this class: “You can have the most brilliant engineer, but if he can’t get his knowledge and his brilliance out than what’s the point?”
During the summer semester he is currently teaching one English composition 1201 class at Sinclair’s downtown campus. During the fall semester he teaches remedial English along with English 1101 and 1201.
When he’s not informing a class of students about the basic structures of an essay, Scott Johnson enjoys the art of gardening and hydroponics, the act of growing plants without soil. He is also a father to two grown kids, and grandfather to a grandson.
In addition, Scott indulges in his passion for writing by submitting freelance writing to numerous magazines and newspapers on the side. Much like his father, James Clifford Johnson, Scott doesn’t plan on retiring from his job at Sinclair any time soon. He wishes to continue instructing and educating the people of Sinclair as long as he can.
I along with many other people, have been blessed to take part as a student in one of his many classes. Over the past two semesters, I couldn’t help but notice his incredible work ethic and the passion with which he teaches. With so many students in a class, professors tend to keep the relationship with their students strictly professional, not taking time to get to know the student.
Anyone who has attended Scott’s English 1101 or 1201 knows this is not the case. He is a very down to earth guy who knows no stranger and is very invested in a student’s progress. This investment in his students is possibly the most important quality Scott possesses in his teaching methods.
He recognizes that not all students strive to be writers, editors, and poets. He is well aware that some people are interested in other career options and are simply passing through to gain credit. However, by showing people the many styles of writing and how to publish said writing, he is widening the scopes of these young students and providing an opportunity for a better future.
If it wasn’t for his assistance and encouragement, I would have never found my way to the position of employment which I currently hold. For that reason and many others, Professor Scott Johnson, I speak for many students when I say, thank you.
“Be passionate about what you are writing about. Anytime anybody criticizes your work, learn from it.” -Professor Scott Johnson
Samuel Claude
Reporter