Denise Johnson
Simi Valley,California
Summary
Educational leader with more than 10 years of experience in independent study, online education, and student support services across charter and public school systems. Expertise in managing virtual learning programs, supervising instructional staff, monitoring student engagement in online coursework, and ensuring compliance with California independent study regulations. Experienced in academic counseling, four-year planning, special education collaboration, and supporting diverse learners through flexible and personalized learning pathways. Proven ability to lead teams, improve student engagement in virtual environments, and support student persistence toward graduation.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
Work History
Assistant Principal
Santa Monica Malibu Unified School District
08.2023 - Current
- Lead district Independent Study and online learning program operations, ensuring compliance with California Education Code and district policies.
- Manage Master Agreements, learning contracts, and documentation for students enrolled in independent study pathways.
- Supervise and support independent study teachers and counselors, providing guidance on instructional strategies, progress monitoring, and student engagement in online coursework.
- Monitor student attendance, participation, and assignment completion using digital learning platforms and progress tracking systems.
- Oversee four-year academic planning and credit tracking to ensure students remain on track for graduation and postsecondary readiness.
- Coordinate 504 plans and serve as LEA representative for IEP meetings, ensuring accommodations and services are implemented effectively in virtual and hybrid learning environments.
- Collaborate with families and multidisciplinary teams to develop individualized learning plans and intervention strategies for students needing additional academic or social-emotional support.
- Support the implementation of online learning platforms and digital curriculum to improve student engagement and accessibility.
Assistant Principal
Las Virgenes Unified School District
08.2021 - 08.2022
- Supported leadership of Las Virgenes Independent School (district virtual/independent study program) serving students seeking flexible learning pathways.
- Assisted with enrollment, onboarding, and orientation for students entering online independent study programs.
- Monitored student academic progress, course completion, and engagement metrics in online coursework.
- Partnered with teachers and counselors to provide academic interventions and progress monitoring for at-risk students.
- Assisted in managing independent study agreements, student learning plans, and documentation required for program compliance.
- Collaborated with families to design flexible learning schedules and support systems for students learning outside the traditional classroom setting.
School Counselor
Simi Valley Unified School District
08.2013 - 08.2021
- Provided academic counseling and graduation planning for middle and high school students, including those enrolled in independent study and alternative education programs.
- Developed individualized academic plans and monitored student progress toward graduation and postsecondary goals.
- Supported students transitioning to and from independent study or online programs, ensuring continuity of instruction and credit completion.
- Coordinated 504 accommodation plans and participated in IEP team meetings to support students with disabilities.
- Delivered social-emotional counseling and academic intervention planning to improve student engagement and persistence.
- Collaborated with teachers and administrators to identify students needing alternative or flexible learning pathways.
- Facilitated communication between families, teachers, and school leadership regarding academic progress and student support needs.
Teacher (summer school)
Vista Real Charter School
07.2016 - 08.2016
- Delivered instruction in a charter-based independent study program serving students through virtual and blended learning models.
- Provided one-on-one and small group instruction through online platforms and video conferencing.
- Guided students through self-paced online curriculum and individualized learning plans.
- Monitored student progress using digital learning management systems and student information systems.
- Maintained regular communication with families and learning coaches to support student engagement and accountability in remote learning.
- Implemented differentiated instructional strategies to support diverse learning needs in an asynchronous learning environment.
- Ensured compliance with charter school independent study policies, documentation, and student learning agreements.
Education
Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) - Educational Leadership
National University
12-2026
Master’s Degree - Educational Leadership
California Lutheran University
01-2020
Master’s Degree - School Counseling
California Lutheran University
01-2013
Bachelor’s Degree - Psychology
California State University
Northridge01-2008
Skills
- Online & Virtual Learning Leadership
- Independent Study Program Administration
- Learning Management Systems (LMS)
- Student Engagement in Online Environments
- Academic Counseling & Graduation Planning
- Master Agreements & Compliance Monitoring
- 504 Plans & IEP Collaboration
- Alternative Education Pathways
- Instructional Staff Supervision
- Student Intervention & Progress Monitoring
- Family Engagement & Communication
- Digital Curriculum Implementation
Timeline
Assistant Principal
Santa Monica Malibu Unified School District
08.2023 - Current
Assistant Principal
Las Virgenes Unified School District
08.2021 - 08.2022
Teacher (summer school)
Vista Real Charter School
07.2016 - 08.2016
School Counselor
Simi Valley Unified School District
08.2013 - 08.2021
Master’s Degree - Educational Leadership
California Lutheran University
Master’s Degree - School Counseling
California Lutheran University
Bachelor’s Degree - Psychology
California State University
Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) - Educational Leadership
National University