Orange High School Principal Crowned National High School Principal of the Year
Celebrating a significant achievement in educational leadership, Jason Johnson, the principal of Orange High School in North Carolina, has been honored as the 2026 National High School Principal of the Year by the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP). This prestigious accolade was conferred during the National Education Leadership Awards (NELA) in Washington, D.C., on April 17.
In response to receiving this national recognition, Johnson expressed his gratitude, stating, “Representing North Carolina’s public schools on a national stage is an honor, and wouldn’t be possible without the students, staff and community that I work alongside every day.” He emphasized that this award reflects the collective efforts and direction set by the North Carolina State Board of Education and Superintendent Mo Green.
As the recipient of this award, Johnson will join an elite network of school leaders, gaining opportunities to influence educational policies and inspire future leaders in education. His leadership is celebrated not only within his school but also across the state of North Carolina, according to State Superintendent of Public Instruction Maurice “Mo” Green. Green described Johnson as a “transformational and collaborative leader,” highlighting the reach of his impact from local classrooms to the state level.
Johnson’s career spans nearly three decades, during which he has served in various educational roles in Chatham County Schools, Guilford County Schools, and at the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI) as a School Transformation Coach. His journey eventually led him back to Orange County Schools, where he continues to make significant contributions.
In his leadership capacity at Orange High School, Johnson has driven the school to exceed growth expectations in the 2023-24 academic year, enhancing its performance grade and boosting proficiency across all student groups. His previous five-year tenure at Orange County Schools’ central office involved mentoring other principals and fostering leadership across the district.
Johnson’s leadership approach includes initiatives that emphasize student voices and teacher leadership. He engages students with reflective surveys to assess their academic experiences and areas for improvement. Meanwhile, teachers are empowered through leadership opportunities such as the Guiding Coalition team and ongoing professional development sessions.
In his application for the 2025 Wells Fargo North Carolina Principal of the Year, Johnson expressed his dedication to educational leadership, stating, “Working with students, teachers and families is at the heart of who I am as an educational leader… My heart and soul is building teacher leaders and a collaborative culture at my school.”
The NASSP Principal of the Year program seeks to honor exceptional principals from each state, the District of Columbia, the U.S. Department of State Office of Overseas Schools, and the Department of Defense Education Activity. From these nominees, finalists are chosen, culminating in the selection of one Middle Level and one High School National Principal of the Year. This program acknowledges principals for their outstanding contributions to student achievement, school improvement, and educational leadership.
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