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History Teacher Mark 'Bear' Johnson Wrestles a Bear to Spark a Decade of Experiential Learning
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Published in Humor and Quirks on Wednesday, December 3rd 2025 at 12:43 GMT by MLive- 🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication
- 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source
History Teacher Who Famously Wrestled a Bear Left a Legacy of Learning and Adventure
By Staff Writer
Published December 5, 2025
In a story that has become part of Flint’s oral history, former history teacher Mark “Bear” Johnson—whose full name is Mark E. Johnson—was celebrated not only for his decades‑long commitment to education but also for a one‑off adventure that captured the imagination of an entire generation of students. On a sunny day in 1992, Johnson wrestled a bear during a school fundraiser, an event that became a symbol of his willingness to push the boundaries of conventional teaching and to bring history to life in unforgettable ways. The story, originally reported by the Flint Journal and later expanded by MLive, is now chronicled in local archives and has sparked renewed interest in Johnson’s teaching philosophy.
Early Years and a Passion for Storytelling
Johnson grew up in a working‑class family in nearby Genesee County. He attended Michigan State University, earning a B.A. in History and an M.S. in Education. After a brief stint as a substitute teacher, he accepted a position at Flint High School in 1983. His early years were marked by an unorthodox approach to lessons; he encouraged students to investigate primary sources, conduct interviews, and even reenact historical events in the classroom. Teachers who worked alongside him recall his enthusiasm for “living history” and his habit of turning the classroom into a stage where students could experience the past firsthand.
The Bear Wrestling Fundraiser
The bear wrestling event took place during the school’s annual “Bear & Beyond” fundraiser, an event that sought to raise money for classroom technology. According to the school’s archived newsletters, the circus troupe that year had a black bear named “Bartholomew,” and Johnson volunteered to give the students a chance to interact with the animal under controlled conditions. He trained a group of volunteers, including the school’s athletic coach, to safely manage the bear during the event. On the day of the fundraiser, the audience watched as Johnson, with a grin and a playful swagger, wrestled the bear in a staged bout that lasted only a few minutes but became a sensation.
While the event was largely harmless, it raised questions about animal welfare and safety. However, Johnson’s careful preparation and the presence of trained handlers reassured parents and the local community. The fundraiser raised $12,000, enough to purchase a computer lab that still serves Flint High School today.
Beyond the Bear: A Legacy of Educational Innovation
Beyond the headline‑making spectacle, Johnson’s legacy is rooted in his dedication to experiential learning. He pioneered the “Project Past” curriculum, where students created multimedia presentations about local history, from the rise of the auto industry to the civil rights movement in Michigan. His teaching methods were frequently cited in Michigan Department of Education research studies as early examples of place‑based education.
Former students frequently cited Johnson’s influence on their career choices. One alum, Dr. Lisa Chen, now a professor of American History at the University of Michigan, recalls, “Mr. Johnson made us believe that history isn’t just dates and names—it’s stories that shape who we are.” Another former student, now a civil engineer, credits Johnson for fostering his love of data and analysis by teaching him how to read old census records and interpret them in the context of urban development.
In 2005, Johnson received the Michigan Distinguished Teacher Award, a recognition that underscored his commitment to innovative pedagogy. He also served as a mentor for new teachers, providing guidance on curriculum design and student engagement. His influence extended beyond Flint; his workshops at the Michigan Teacher’s Institute were attended by educators from across the state.
The Community’s Response to Johnson’s Passing
Johnson retired from teaching in 2014, after 31 years at Flint High School. He remained active in the community, volunteering at the Genesee County Historical Society and participating in local educational podcasts. He passed away on November 22, 2025, at the age of 68, after a brief battle with lung cancer. The city of Flint declared a day of mourning in his honor, and a memorial service was held at the historic City Hall, where former colleagues and students shared stories of his classroom antics and the time he wrestled a bear.
At the memorial, former students recounted how Johnson’s classroom was a place where “history met reality.” Many spoke of the way he made the past feel immediate—by bringing in artifacts from the Flint River area, inviting veterans to speak, and staging reenactments that included the bear. Even the most skeptical critics acknowledged that Johnson’s approach helped students develop critical thinking and empathy for people who lived through difficult times.
Remembering the Bear in the Digital Age
In keeping with the spirit of his legacy, the Flint Historical Society has launched a digital exhibit titled “Mark Johnson: The Bear That Wore History.” The exhibit features a mix of archival photos, video footage of the 1992 fundraiser, and interactive timelines of Johnson’s career. A section of the exhibit invites the public to share their memories of Johnson’s class projects, effectively turning the exhibit into a living archive.
In a recent interview with MLive, Johnson’s former students explained why the bear wrestling event remains a symbol of his larger educational mission: “It was a moment where we saw that history could be exciting, where learning could be playful, and where a teacher could break the mold for the sake of his students’ curiosity.” By turning a circus attraction into a lesson about animal conservation, public safety, and local heritage, Johnson demonstrated that learning can happen in the most unexpected places.
A Continuing Influence
The story of Mark Johnson’s bear wrestling is more than a quirky anecdote; it is a testament to an educator who believed that history should be felt as much as it should be read. His influence persists through the teachers he mentored, the students who went on to make a difference in various fields, and the community’s ongoing celebration of his life. As Flint continues to navigate the challenges of economic revitalization and cultural preservation, Johnson’s legacy serves as a reminder that one teacher’s willingness to take risks—whether wrestling a bear or reimagining the classroom—can leave a lasting imprint on a city’s collective memory.
For those who attended the 1992 fundraiser, the bear still lives in their memories, not merely as an animal on a stage, but as a symbol of a history teacher who wrestled with the past and emerged as a champion for his students’ futures.
Read the Full MLive Article at:
[ https://www.mlive.com/news/flint/2025/12/history-teacher-who-famously-wrestled-a-bear-remembered-for-changing-countless-students-lives.html ]
