Engineering & technical problem-solving
Research and development work, prototype development and testing, requirements analysis, troubleshooting, root-cause analysis, and technical documentation.
About Proof & Progress
Turning complex ideas into meaningful learning.
Engineering, instruction, and STEM education brought together to make learning clear, practical, and engaging.
Malcolm Johnson
Founder · Engineer · STEM educator
A note from the founder
Learning should make sense, not just get done.
Hi, I’m Malcolm Johnson, the founder of Proof & Progress. I’m an engineer, instructional designer, and STEM educator with seven years of tutoring experience.
My engineering background taught me to break complex systems into parts, test ideas, and learn through iteration. I bring that same approach to teaching: listen for what’s unclear, explain the ideas in manageable steps, and give students a chance to practice and ask questions.
Alongside personalized tutoring, I develop practical STEM learning experiences for youth and educators. That work can include lesson plans, hands-on activities, learning objectives, assessments, and facilitator materials shaped around the learners and program goals.
Build understanding. Grow confidence.
Professional experience & capabilities
Engineering experience applied to learning design.
The founder’s background combines engineering research and development, software development, data analysis, project coordination, STEM education, curriculum and lesson development, instructional design, project-based learning, and technical training.
Software & data
Software development training, Python, SQL, data analysis, and structured, iterative problem solving.
Instruction & learning design
Lesson planning, learning objectives, assessment design, instructional materials, STEM education, technical training, and project-based learning.
Education includes a B.S. in Aerospace Science Engineering from Tuskegee University and a Software Development Program from NuCamp. The site does not claim university clients or partnerships.
Selected STEM learning work
Learning through making, testing, and problem-solving.
Examples of structured STEM lessons with clear objectives, learner materials, facilitator guidance, assessment, and reflection.
6th grade STEM
Build Your Own Battery
Audience: Grade 6. Format: hands-on science and engineering lesson. Learners build a simple battery, vary the number of cells, measure voltage, record results, and reflect. Materials include learning objectives, safety guidance, an investigation, and assessment and reflection activities.
Explore the interactive lessonEngineering education
Automation for Beginners
Audience: Grade 6. Format: engineering lesson package built around Input → Decision → Action. Skills include systems thinking and scenario-based problem solving. Materials include an instructor guide, learner notebook, interactive scenarios, quiz, and assessment rubric.
Explore the interactive lessonThese examples describe learning materials and lessons, not client engagements. No university implementation or partnership is implied.
Engineering foundation
B.S. Aerospace Science Engineering
Tuskegee University · 2014
This technical foundation informs the way I approach problem-solving and translate complex ideas into practical learning.
Personalized
Start with the student or group, not a one-size-fits-all plan.
Practical
Connect learning to clear explanations, active practice, and real questions.
Purposeful
Build the understanding and confidence that support continued learning.