Jefferson County Schools is pleased to announce the appointment of Dorothy Nicole Johnson as principal of North Jefferson Elementary School. Prior to her acceptance of this role, Johnson served as assistant principal at Charles Town Middle School.

Dr. Bondy Shay Gibson, superintendent of Jefferson County Schools, chaired the search and interview committee personally.

“Ms. Johnson’s strong background in meeting the needs of special education students and utilizing data to develop successful intervention programs will certainly enhance the educational program at North Jefferson Elementary,” she said.

Johnson has taught a variety of subject areas and provided instruction to special education students. Her current role at Charles Town Middle School is focused on curriculum and instruction. While focusing on this area of expertise, she strives to improve state test scores through targeted instruction and tailored teaching methods.

“I’m so glad to make a transition that keeps me involved in this community. I’m looking forward to building relationships with North Jefferson’s students and families,” said Johnson.

Johnson earned a Bachelor of Science degree in political science and a minor in history from Shepherd University in 2005. She earned her Master of Education degree in multi-categorical special education from Grand Canyon University in 2012. Prior to spending time in the classroom, Johnson was an applied behavioral therapist for children with Autism. During this time, Johnson was responsible for designing curriculum, providing therapy and training new therapists.

Making her transition into Jefferson County, Johnson was first employed by the Jefferson County Board of Education as a substitute teacher where she taught a variety of grade levels and subject areas. Prior to her position as assistant principal at Charles Town Middle, Johnson was a multi-categorical special education teacher at Jefferson High School where she taught a variety of classes such as, English, earth science, as well as, health and conflict resolution. She also led the behavioral and emotional disorders program for Jefferson County at T.A. Lowery Elementary School. The crux of her work during that time was to prepare students for re-entry back into the general education setting.

Johnson will assume her duties as principal on Jan. 17, 2017.