Jake Johnson is a proud teacher, father of four, union leader, and lifelong resident of Southern Minnesota.

Jake grew up as a poor kid in Stewartville, Minnesota. His father worked as a garbage collector, and his mother went house to house reading the energy meters. His parents split when Jake was young, and as he grew older, he would spend most of his time with his mother and his stepfather, a disabled veteran, helping to raise his seven younger siblings.

Jake credits the strong community around him and public programs like food stamps and Medicaid for keeping him clothed, fed, and on the right track through what was a challenging childhood. That gave him the chance to work hard, and with the encouragement of his public school teachers and the help of Pell Grants and Stafford loans, Jake was able to attend college. He went to the University of Wisconsin, La Crosse, staying close to home so he could be there for his young siblings while earning his degree.

After graduating, Jake wanted to give back to his community and help the next generation also achieve the American Dream. He interviewed for just one job: a math teacher position in Rochester Public Schools. For the past 19 years, Jake has taught students from all academic levels and socioeconomic backgrounds – from remedial math to AP Calculus – to help every student reach their full potential.

Jake is a proud member of his union’s bargaining team, where he negotiates to raise wages and improve working conditions for over 1,000 teachers, school nurses, and counselors in the district. Jake has also been active in his community, serving on the board of the financial literacy nonprofit Minnesota Jumpstart Coalition and environmental nonprofit Save the Rookery, and organizing for the recent school referendum in Rochester.

Jake and his wife, Molly, live in Rochester where they are raising their four sons. In his spare time, Jake enjoys distance running, reading books with his boys, and staying optimistic about the Vikings.