Rodrick C. Johnson is a literacy coach, visionary leader, and the founder of Energized Educator, specializing in transforming urban schools’ student behavior management. Rodrick’s journey into education began over a decade ago when he first entered the classroom, driven by a desire to create engaging, meaningful learning experiences for children. Working primarily in urban settings, he quickly recognized the unique challenges students and educators face in these environments—especially when it came to behavior management and the lack of culturally responsive approaches.

As a young teacher, Rodrick spent six years pouring his energy into innovative lesson planning, discovering his talent for engaging students who often felt disconnected from traditional school culture. However, he noticed that despite his creative efforts, many students, particularly Black boys, struggled under disciplinary systems that neither understood nor valued their cultural identities. Witnessing this, he grew increasingly passionate about professional development, hoping to equip teachers with the skills to support these students more effectively and prevent punitive measures that often negatively impact students’ academic and social growth.

Rodrick’s commitment to this cause became even more apparent as a Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) chair—a role he served for three years. Taking on this leadership position allowed him to develop strategies that aligned more closely with students’ social and emotional needs. When one school hesitated to implement PBIS, he created his approach: the 3R Method: Respect, Reflect, and Ready to learn ( later becoming Re-Engage). This method became the cornerstone of his work, designed to help students take ownership of their behavior in an empowering and affirming way rather than punitive.

Under Rodrick’s leadership, this school achieved PBIS Gold status within two years, drastically reducing office referrals and transforming student behavior through restorative practices and culturally relevant management strategies. His success didn’t go unnoticed, leading him to expand his influence by supporting other schools and educators through consulting, coaching, and professional development workshops.

In 2020, Rodrick was named a Great Minds Fellow, a pivotal moment in his career that allowed him to share his unique approach with over 500 teachers and school leaders across the United States. The fellowship opened doors for him to support new curriculum adoptions and mentor instructional coaches, helping them build their capacity to develop teachers who feel empowered, confident, and capable of creating legendary classroom experiences.

Today, as a doctoral candidate at Morgan State University, Rodrick is pursuing advanced studies in education policy, driven by a desire to affect change on a broader scale. His ultimate vision is to influence policy that enhances teacher preparation and addresses the gaps in culturally responsive behavior management, especially for urban and minority students.

Rodrick’s work with Energized Educator reflects his deep commitment to reshaping educational spaces. His 3R Method has become a signature framework, offering schools an adaptable, respectful, and culturally sensitive approach to managing student behavior. Through Energized Educator, Rodrick continues to support schools in building environments where every student—particularly those from marginalized backgrounds—feels valued, seen, and ready to succeed.

With over eight years of dedicated experience in educational leadership, Rodrick brings a wealth of practical knowledge, a deep respect for cultural identity, and an unwavering belief in the potential of urban youth. His journey from classroom teacher to coach and policy advocate is a testament to his belief that education can be transformative when teachers are equipped, supported, and inspired to help students find their strengths and take ownership of their paths.