Shelly Johnston

Professor Shelly Johnston has an impressive and diverse background in education, with a strong focus on physical education, health education, coaching, and adaptive physical education.

Her 25-year career in K-12 education has seen her teach at every level — elementary, middle, and high school — while also coaching at both the collegiate and high school levels.

Her dedication to education motivated her to earn a Master of Education in Professional Development with a specialization in Curriculum and Instruction. As an assistant professor, she leverages her extensive experience to enrich the kinesthetic environment, emphasizing team teaching and wellness education.

Prof. Johnston is committed to preparing future educators in physical education, health, and adaptive teaching. She collaborates closely with the STEP program at KUSD, providing adapted students with practical teaching experiences and fostering mentorship relationships.

Her commitment ensures that the next generation of teachers is well-equipped to make a meaningful impact in their field.

Hear from Prof. Johnston: Why exercise and sport science?

“I love teaching because it allows me to inspire curiosity, ignite passion, and empower others to reach their full potential. Teaching isn’t just about imparting knowledge; it’s about creating a space where ideas can flourish and where students feel encouraged to explore, question, and grow.”

“My passion for my discipline stems from its dynamic nature — the way it continuously evolves, challenging both educators and learners to adapt and innovate. Being part of this process, helping students discover their strengths and passions, and guiding them as they develop skills that will have a lasting impact on their lives and communities, is incredibly rewarding.”

“I teach because I believe in the power of education to transform lives. There’s something deeply fulfilling about seeing a student have that ‘aha’ moment, where a concept clicks, or watching them confidently present their ideas after months of hard work. These moments remind me why I do what I do — they’re the reason I love teaching”

• B.S. — Education, Physical Education, Health, Adapted Physical Education, Coaching; University of Wisconsin Whitewater
• M.Ed. — Professional Development in Curriculum and Instruction; National Louis University
  
  

• EXS 1010: Foundations of Exercise and Sports Science
• EXS 1020: Instructional Methods for Individual and Team Sports
• EXS 2620: Adaptive Physical Education and Sport
• EXS 2450: Physical Education and Health Methods
• EXS 3090: Sexuality Education
• EXS 3510: Adapted Physical Education and Sport
• EXS 3520: Field Placement in Specially Designed Physical Education

Prof. Johnston’s research is driven by a commitment to fostering the professional growth of students through active mentorship and engagement in scholarly activities. She is particularly focused on the development and dissemination of knowledge in the fields of fitness and wellness, with an emphasis on their community impact. Her work seeks to empower students to take ownership of their professional development by guiding them through the processes of creating, participating in, and presenting their research at academic conferences and other professional forums.

One of the core elements of her research agenda is the exploration of effective mentorship strategies that enable students to translate their academic learning into practical applications. This involves not only the technical aspects of research, but also the development of soft skills such as communication, networking, and leadership. By encouraging students to participate in conferences and presentations, she aims to enhance their confidence and competence in their chosen fields, thereby preparing them to make meaningful contributions to both academia and society.