University News Last updated 14 December 2023
An executive principal who transformed a failing school in one of the most deprived areas of the West Midlands and continues to champion the cause of refugee families has been awarded an Honorary Doctorate by Birmingham City University (BCU).
Emma Johnson has served in a variety of roles for Oasis Community Learning, a multi-academy trust with sites across the country, and says she knew from an early age that she wanted to be a teacher who inspired and cared for others.
“I didn’t think of teaching in an altruistic way at all,” said Emma. “It was something I liked to do. Many people tried change my mind about becoming a teacher, telling me it was a thankless task and too difficult. That made me more determined that teaching was really what I wanted to do.”
Emma says working in a Latvian orphanage “ignited” her passion to teach and work with children. She quickly recognised that education was also a way of helping people out of hardship.
“Throughout my teaching career, I have chosen to work in areas others may shy away from,” said Emma. “Working with migrant families, refugees and those in temporary housing has enabled me to look at life and education through different lenses, finding ways to support, include and navigate systems for children speaking 43 different languages with many, varied life experiences.
“As a leader, I have learnt how to navigate broken systems and structures in order to ensure that the pupils I serve get the best education possible.”
Emma has also faced the challenge of intense media scrutiny, specifically in 2014, when Oasis Academy Foundry in Winson Green suddenly found itself in the spotlight as a result of Channel 4’s highly watched but highly controversial television series ‘Benefits Street’.
The documentary focused on the residents of James Turner Street and subjected many families with children at the school to an outpouring of hate on social media and an intense amount of public scrutiny, a lot of it negative.
“The school became the centre of an international media storm,” said Emma. “I had to rapidly learn how to build a community, empower people to succeed, and inspire staff and families to carry on, grow stronger and build resilience.”
Her commitment to the task was considerable. Not only did she succeed in protecting her school community, but she also took Oasis Academy Foundry out of special measures and vastly improved the academic achievements of its pupils, many of whom had English as their second language.
Emma is no longer the head teacher at Oasis Academy Foundry, which was rated ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted in June, but she is still making here influence felt as Regional Director for the trust, in charge of 6 academies in the North West of England.
“My passion for inclusion has never waned,” said Emma. “When times are hard, I dig deep and think of the small gains that can be made… the children who have made it, the families whose lives have been transformed for the better.
“I have been really fortunate to work with some incredible people who inspire me each day. They inspire me with their energy, their clarity of thinking, and their desire to make a positive difference. They are advocates for change.”
Emma has also worked with BCU on various research projects, including the Open School Doors initiative that looks at ways to support migrant and refugee families.
“I don’t know what the key to my success is as I haven’t ever seen myself as successful,” she said. “I am just a teacher. I truly believe we are here to serve others, here to ensure that we can provide the best opportunities for all.
"The communities I have worked in are incredible. I wouldn’t choose to be anywhere else.”
And an Honorary Doctorate for exceptional service to the City of Birmingham and for outstanding contribution in public and professional life, what does that mean?
“The award was a total surprise,” said Emma, who will receive her accolade at BCU’s January Graduation ceremonies at Birmingham’s Symphony Hall.
“I had no idea that anyone had even noticed what I had been doing, let alone thought it was worthy of such an honour. I was totally shocked.”
Finally, what advice would she give to anyone considering a career in teaching and education?
“Do it!” she said. “It will be the best decision you will make.”