Research Interests

Most of Dr. Johnson-Taylor’s research interests fall under the umbrella of mentoring. She has written several articles and presented at conferences on topics related to effective mentoring of interns and first year teachers. In a collaborative project with Dr. Barbara Blackburn and Ms. Elaine Young at Winthrop University, she conducted research on the importance of communication between the mentor, the intern and the college supervisor as a critical factor in a successful internship. In addition, she has researched mentoring programs for new administrators and what components effective administrative mentoring programs share.  She believes that effective mentoring is a key component in helping interns, first year teachers, veteran teachers, and administrators have successful experiences. Her most recent research endeavor was a joint effort with Dr. Mary Martin from Winthrop University, which involved professional development for assistant principals and what principals do to help their assistant principals be promoted. She believes assistant principals are the most overlooked in the educational arena.

Dr. Johnson-Taylor is also very interested in the topic of teacher leadership and is a certified trainer through SREB in Leading Assessment and Instruction.  Her next research endeavor will involve building teacher leadership potential in the undergraduate teacher education program. She is happiest when she can be in a school with teachers and students looking for ways to improve student achievement and the lives of teachers.