Rachel Lauren Johnson
Overview
5
5
years of professional experience
Work History
Substitute Teacher
CCSD 168 & Rich Township 227
Sauk Village, IL
01.2026 - Current
- Provide classroom instruction and supervision across K–12 settings, including elementary, middle, and high school students in two districts.
- Adapt lesson plans and instructional support to different grade levels while maintaining effective classroom management and student engagement.
- Support learning continuity by following teacher plans, managing behavior, and ensuring a structured, respectful learning environment.
Summer News Reporting Intern
The Times of Northwest Indiana
Munster, Indiana
05.2025 - 08.2025
- Researched local news stories and gathered relevant information for publication.
- Collaborated with reporters to write clear and engaging articles for readers.
- Assisted in editing and proofreading articles for grammar and clarity.
Live Reporter
UI7 Newsroom
Urbana, IL
08.2023 - 05.2025
- Researched story ideas, conducted community interviews, and utilized public speaking skills to present information on live student television broadcasts.
- Demonstrated proficiency in scriptwriting for on-air presentations, as well as filmed events and edited content using Adobe Premiere Pro.
Office Assistant
Housing Information Office
Champaign, IL
06.2024 - 08.2024
- Managed communication channels including phone and email, responding to inquiries from parents and students regarding residential housing needs and policies.
- Assisted incoming freshmen with housing-related questions and requirements, ensuring all students were successfully placed in appropriate accommodations.
Resident Advisor
University of Illinois
Champaign, IL
08.2021 - 05.2024
- Personalize student interactions to foster community development, support learning, and mediate conflicts in a safe environment.
- Advocate for inclusivity through organizing social justice and community events.
- Participate in an on-call rotation for nightly and/or weekend duties, addressing issues like lockouts, medical emergencies, and facilities problems.
Summer Intern
WCIA
Champaign, IL
05.2023 - 08.2023
- Completed on-site internship with WCIA 3, gaining hands-on experience in news production and reporting within a local news organization.
- Studied inner workings of neighborhood news outlet, focusing on local journalism principles and technical aspects of news dissemination.
- Skills acquired: Video Editing, News Writing, Camera Work, Public Speaking, Interviewing
Education
Master of Science - Journalism, Concentration: Broadcast & Community Storytelling
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Urbana, IL05-2025
Bachelor of Science - Journalism, Minor in Business Administration
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Urbana, IL05-2024
Skills
- Research methodologies
- Time management strategies
- Work prioritization skills
- Attention to detail
- Flexibility in tasks
- Written communication skills
- News writing techniques
- Video editing proficiency
- Scriptwriting expertise
- Public speaking skills
- Community engagement initiatives
- Content creation strategies
- Story development skills
- Team collaboration
Affiliations
- Alumni Engagement Volunteer | Black Alumni Association, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Timeline
Substitute Teacher
CCSD 168 & Rich Township 227
01.2026 - Current
Summer News Reporting Intern
The Times of Northwest Indiana
05.2025 - 08.2025
Office Assistant
Housing Information Office
06.2024 - 08.2024
Live Reporter
UI7 Newsroom
08.2023 - 05.2025
Summer Intern
WCIA
05.2023 - 08.2023
Resident Advisor
University of Illinois
08.2021 - 05.2024
Master of Science - Journalism, Concentration: Broadcast & Community Storytelling
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Bachelor of Science - Journalism, Minor in Business Administration
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign