Denise Johnson

Editorial Writer

Opinion

Denise has been an editorial writer at the Star Tribune since 1996. Before joining the editorial board, she was a reporter, editor, columnist and editorial writer at the St. Paul Pioneer Press, and wrote editorials for the Miami Herald. She currently writes about urban affairs and a variety of other topics, but specializes in covering K-12 education. Johnson has also worked for the American Society of Newspaper Editors in Washington, D.C., and done diversity training locally and nationally. Earlier in her career, she hosted and produced news and issues public affairs shows on Twin Cities public television. The recipient of several journalism awards, she was honored in 2007 with the Frank Premack Graven award for career contributions to public journalism. Johnson lives with her husband in St. Paul, her hometown, and they have one grown daughter.

Denise has been an editorial writer at the Star Tribune since 1996. Before joining the editorial board, she was a reporter, editor, columnist and editorial writer at the St. Paul Pioneer Press, and wrote editorials for the Miami Herald. She currently writes about urban affairs and a variety of other topics, but specializes in covering K-12 education. Johnson has also worked for the American Society of Newspaper Editors in Washington, D.C., and done diversity training locally and nationally. Earlier in her career, she hosted and produced news and issues public affairs shows on Twin Cities public television. The recipient of several journalism awards, she was honored in 2007 with the Frank Premack Graven award for career contributions to public journalism. Johnson lives with her husband in St. Paul, her hometown, and they have one grown daughter.

Contact

denise.johnson@startribune.com

612-673-7320

Latest from Denise Johnson

Columnists

Johnson: Keep violence prevention on task in Minneapolis

There’s been some management difficulty, but progress on that front is being made.

February 19, 2025

Columnists

Johnson: Good reasons to preserve the federal Dept. of Education

Eliminating the Dept. of Education would jeopardize equal access, quality standards and national educational progress.

February 10, 2025

Columnists

Johnson: Can your 4th-grader read this headline?

America must drill down on proven reading, math instruction to boost alarming test scores.

February 5, 2025

Columnists

Johnson: Ridiculous House of cards

Both political parties must strengthen candidate vetting.

January 28, 2025