Veteran Educator Jason Johnson Honored as 2025 Principal of the Year
In a momentous recognition of educational leadership, Jason Johnson, principal of Orange High School, has been named the 2025 Wells Fargo Principal of the Year. This distinction was celebrated during an awards luncheon at the Umstead Hotel in Cary, highlighting Johnson’s contributions alongside eight other regional finalists.
Johnson’s career spans 27 years across North Carolina, where he has served as both a teacher and principal in various counties, including Chatham and Guilford. He also contributed to the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction as a School Transformation Coach before returning to Orange County Schools.
“Jason Johnson’s breadth of leadership not only as a school leader, but also in the classroom, district office and even NCDPI, speaks volumes to his talent as an educator,” commented Maurice “Mo” Green, State Superintendent of Public Instruction. “It is evident that Jason is dedicated to developing teacher leaders and fostering student success regardless of their postgraduate pursuits.”
Under Johnson’s leadership, Orange County Panthers achieved significant growth in the 2023-24 academic year, improving a letter grade and boosting overall proficiency among all racial groups. His five-year tenure at Orange County Schools’ central office included coaching and leadership development for principals district-wide.
Dr. Danielle Jones, Superintendent of Orange County Schools, praised Johnson as a “visionary leader who understands the complexities involved in overall school improvement.” She noted his exceptional ability to motivate teachers and engage students, fostering a high-expectation culture of continuous improvement.
Johnson’s leadership approach includes innovative practices and initiatives aimed at enhancing educational outcomes. Collaborative Teams were revamped to focus on essential instructional strategies, with students actively participating in feedback surveys. Teacher leadership is encouraged through the Guiding Coalition team and ongoing professional development opportunities.
Juan Austin, Community Impact and Sustainability Senior Manager for Wells Fargo, stated, “Wells Fargo is proud to continue our support for the Principal of the Year program, which celebrates and honors educators and administrators like Jason Johnson.”
During the 2025-26 school year, Johnson will serve as an ambassador for the profession, supported by Wells Fargo and NCDPI. His rewards include a mobile device from Lenovo, an engraved award, and various gifts, including a custom-made NC Principal of the Year signet ring from Jostens. He will also participate in professional development opportunities at the Truist Leadership Institute and the North Carolina Center for the Advancement of Teaching, and attend the International Society for Technology in Education conference.
“Working with students, teachers and families is at the heart of who I am as an educational leader,” Johnson expressed in his application. He emphasized his passion for building leadership capacity and fostering a collaborative school culture.
Johnson will also compete nationally for the National Association of Secondary School Principals Distinguished Principal of the Year. Alongside Johnson, the awards ceremony recognized eight other regional Principal of the Year finalists:
- Northeast: Dr. John Lassiter, Hertford Grammar School (Perquimans County Schools)
- Southeast: Christy Propst, Morehead City Elementary School at Camp Glenn (Carteret County Schools)
- Sandhills: Dr. Laura Bailey, Scotland High School (Scotland County Schools)
- Piedmont Triad: Ronnie Hewitt, Liberty Drive Elementary School (Thomasville City Schools)
- Southwest: Kelly Withrow, Battleground Elementary School (Lincoln County Schools)
- Northwest: Dr. Jessica Anthony, Davenport A+ Elementary School (Caldwell County Schools)
- Western: Karley Wells, Clyde Elementary School (Haywood County Schools)
- Charter School: Dr. Jake Wilson, Mountain Island Charter School in Mount Holly, NC
Since the 1980s, North Carolina’s Principal of the Year program has celebrated outstanding principals, promoting the profession through advocacy and recognition of best practices in school leadership. For more information, visit the North Carolina Principal of the Year website.
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