University News
Teja Johnson, 2024 WIU alumna of the Counselor Education Graduate Program.
Just Hired: Teja Johnson
April 10, 2025
Just Hired! Through the experiences of local, regional, national and international students, Íæż½ã½ã has some incredible alumni who are changing the world in the workforce. This series will feature students from all over the world who are hired post-graduation.
MACOMB, IL - - Meet Teja Johnson, a 2024 Íæż½ã½ã alumna of the Counselor Education Graduate Program, who has been hired as an elementary school counselor and McKinney-Vento district liaison by the Indian Creek Community Unit School District 425 located in DeKalb County.
"I love going to work every day knowing I am making an impact on my students. I have formed wonderful relationships with them and know I am helping them excel academically and emotionally," Johnson said.
For Johnson, the resources she found at WIU were crucial in the process of landing this job.
"I landed this job with the preparation of WIU's faculty and Career Center's assistance," Johnson said. "Interviewing is not an easy process, but I left WIU feeling prepared and ready to take on any interview I got my hands on!"
Johnson credits her time at WIU with shaping her into a successful professional who understands the importance of her role as a school counselor.
"I learned a great deal about the importance of supporting students both academically and emotionally," Johnson said. "I gained a deeper understanding of the different developmental stages of students and how to create supportive environments that promote both personal growth and academic success. One of the key lessons I took away from my time at WIU was the critical role that school counselors play in advocating for all students, especially those who may be facing personal or academic challenges."
During her time at WIU, Johnson gained valuable knowledge through courses, internships and field experiences that equipped her with the skills necessary to succeed in her career.
"I became equipped with skills in areas like active listening, crisis intervention, conflict resolution and building relationships with students, teachers and parents," Johnson said. "I also learned about various counseling techniques, theories and ethical standards that guide professional practice in a school setting. WIU provided me with a strong foundation in both theory and practical experience, which helped me feel prepared for the challenges and rewards of a career in school counseling!"
As an alumna, Johnson plans to stay connected to WIU by engaging with the alumni community and maintaining contact with her friends and mentors who inspired her to achieve her goals.
"I continue to keep in contact with faculty and plan to stop by for some visits! I plan to stay connected to my peers and faculty, as they all made such an incredible impact in helping me make my dream career a reality!" Johnson said.
To share your hiring story with WIU, visit .
To learn more about the WIU School Counseling program, visit wiu.edu/coehs/cnedcsp/cned_sc.php.
Posted By: University Communications (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
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