Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Professional Contributions
Timeline
Generic

John S. Atkinson

DeWitt

Summary

Experienced and relationship-driven educational leader with over 15 years of service. Proven ability to lead instructional teams, implement MTSS frameworks, and build inclusive, restorative school cultures. Skilled in data-informed decision-making, stakeholder collaboration, and developing systems that improve school climate and student outcomes. Seeking to serve as a principal in the community where I live, and contribute to meaningful growth at the middle school.

Overview

19
19
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Associate Principal

MacDonald Middle School
East Lansing
08.2009 - Current
  • Led school-wide systems development, including establishing a PBIS program.
  • Refined the MTSS process using data and staff input to support academic, behavioral, and mental health needs.
  • Provided instructional supervision for staff, and supported professional development initiatives.
  • Successfully implemented balanced restorative justice practices to reduce disciplinary incidents and foster student accountability.
  • Fostered collaborative communication and problem-solving with all stakeholder groups.
  • Created the middle school master schedule, finding creative solutions to ensure student choice, prioritizing common planning hours, and designating grade-specific elective classes.

Elementary School Principal (Interim)

East Lansing Public Schools
East Lansing
08.2013 - 07.2014
  • Oversaw daily school operations, including scheduling, budgeting, and policy implementation.
  • Maintained a positive school climate through proactive leadership and communication.
  • Monitored student academic performance and led initiatives to improve outcomes.
  • Engaged community stakeholders to support transparency and partnership.

Guidance Counselor

East Lansing High School
East Lansing
08.2008 - 08.2009
  • Provided mental health support and academic counseling for students.
  • Managed student schedules and ensured progress toward graduation requirements.
  • Coordinated and administered standardized testing.
  • Served as 504 Plan case manager.
  • East Lansing Public Schools

Mental Health Clinician

Highfields, Inc.
Lansing
09.2006 - 07.2008
  • Provided individual and family counseling to adjudicated youth, including school-based therapy within the facility.
  • Delivered family preservation services and solution-focused therapy for short-term counseling needs.
  • Led wraparound service coordination with multi-agency stakeholder teams to support families in crisis.

Education

Master of Arts - School and Professional Counseling

Central Michigan University
Mount Pleasant, MI
08.2009

Skills

  • Instructional Supervision
  • Master Scheduling
  • Crisis intervention
  • Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS)
  • Restorative Justice & Practices
  • School Climate & Culture
  • Mental Health & Counseling
  • Community Engagement
  • Staff Development
  • Student Behavior Intervention
  • Data-Informed Decision Making
  • Communication and Collaboration

Certification

School Administrator Certification, SA0000000979355

Professional Contributions

Restorative Justice Facilitator and Trainer

  • Designed and implemented Restorative Justice practices across multiple schools., Trained staff and modeled interventions, resulting in measurable reductions in behavior incidents.

MTSS Process Development

  • Led schoolwide MTSS implementation for behavior, academics, and attendance., Used data and teacher collaboration to drive responsive and effective interventions.

Mental Health Integration in Leadership

  • Applied counseling background to school leadership, fostering a trauma-informed, relational approach., Integrated mental health principles into student discipline, staff wellness, and community engagement.

Timeline

Elementary School Principal (Interim)

East Lansing Public Schools
08.2013 - 07.2014

Associate Principal

MacDonald Middle School
08.2009 - Current

Guidance Counselor

East Lansing High School
08.2008 - 08.2009

Mental Health Clinician

Highfields, Inc.
09.2006 - 07.2008

Master of Arts - School and Professional Counseling

Central Michigan University

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