Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Affiliations
Certification
Timeline
PRESENT AND PAST COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
Publications
Awards
Generic

Stephanie Johnson

Fayetteville,GA

Summary

  • Transformational educational leader with 30 years in education, including 24 years of service in Georgia, currently serving as Georgia’s Deputy Superintendent of School & District Effectiveness and Chief Turnaround Officer. Nationally recognized state leader and principal with a proven record of turning around schools and districts, increasing literacy and graduation rates, building leadership pipelines, and scaling statewide improvement initiatives. Recipient of a 2024 GAEL (Georgia Association of Educational Leaders) Vision Award, 2023 SREB (Southern Region Educational Board) National State Leader of the Year Award for School Improvement, 2016 Georgia Principal of the Year, and 2017 NASSP National Principal of the Year Finalist, I have led more schools out of “lowest-performing” federal designation than at any time in Georgia’s history. In 2022, 92 CSI/TSI schools exited, and in 2023, 144 CSI, TSI, and Promise schools exited—the largest exit in state history (AJC, Jan. 9, 2024). Leadership Highlights:
  • Instructional Leadership – Strengthens Tier 1 instruction statewide while ensuring targeted supports for Tiers 2/3, SWD, ESOL, and advanced learners.
  • Superintendent Development – Provides annual new superintendent orientation at Spring GSSA and individualized, tiered support for all new Georgia superintendents (2017–present).
  • Comprehensive Needs Assessments – Leads Georgia District Review Process (GDRP) and Georgia School Assessment of Performance on Systems (GSAPS), then facilitates strategic planning to establish evidence-based priorities and measurable next steps.
  • Safe & Supportive Schools – Created and funded 100+ school-based health centers; advanced statewide wraparound centers.
  • Talent & Leadership Pipelines – Partnered with GSLA and Gwinnett QLA to prepare aspiring/sitting principals; scaled statewide coaching for superintendents and principals.
  • Board & Policy Collaboration – Partnered with the Georgia State Board of Education to secure funding for structured literacy coaches, math tutors (Ampact), digital learning grants, and Orton-Gillingham training.
  • Community Responsiveness – Known as approachable, visible, and collaborative; builds trust with boards, families, and communities. A nationally respected state leader, I regularly present at CCSSO, SREB, GSBA, GSSA, USDOE, and AASA conferences and am considered a leader in the national Leadership and School Improvement Collaboratives I am deeply aligned to the Griffin-Spalding County School System’s mission of empowering each student to graduate college and career ready and its vision of Distinctive Brand, Strong Leaders, Great Schools. My leadership style emphasizes Tier 1 instructional quality, ethical decision-making, operational excellence, and community responsiveness. I am committed to becoming a visible, engaged leader in Griffin-Spalding County, collaborating with the Board, staff, families, and community to ensure that all 9,300 students succeed academically, socially, and emotionally.

Overview

30
30
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Deputy Superintendent and Chief Turnaround Officer

Georgia Department of Education
07.2017 - Current
  • Departments – School and District Effectiveness, School Improvement, Alternative Schools, and Professional Development Student Enrollment – 1.8 million Students (181,000 students attending federally identified schools) 180 School Districts (61 Federally Identified School Districts)
  • Provides direct support to district superintendents with evidence-based leadership strategies and funds required to improve leader competency and reduce the variability in quality between and among schools; provides direct support to school-based leaders to reduce variability in student performance among subgroups.
  • Created a statewide wraparound initiative for the state of Georgia and funded wraparound centers for schools to support their students as a comprehensive and proactive strategy to improve schools. The wraparound initiative was a response to the growing need to address non-academic barriers to student learning and to a body of research that shows students are better able to learn and achieve when those barriers are removed.
  • Implemented a strategic plan that focused on priorities, strategies, resources, and key performance indicators utilizing fully evidence-based strategies and resources based on authentic needs assessments from Georgia school districts. Strategies and resources implemented were supported by triangulated data showing the correlation of personal professional practices and adoption of improvement practices by schools to student impact.
  • Implemented a reorganizational structure that defined staff competencies needed for effective service and support in professional roles and removed duplication of services to maximize resources for schools (funds and time).
  • Created partnership with Harvard University’s Proving Ground initiative and Georgia superintendents to test evidence-based solutions for student attendance challenges in urban school districts in Georgia.
  • Created Student Success Grants for additional support to students with disabilities. These funds helped school districts ensure the necessary infrastructure and supports for leaders, teachers, and families are available, while focusing on specific subgroup needs.
  • Created a competitive digital learning grant for school districts in 2020 to increase student access to digital/distance learning infrastructure. Districts' plans for the funds included purchasing digital devices (laptops, Chromebooks, or tablets) for students and teachers, providing training for teachers on distance learning, purchasing distance learning software, and installing mobile hotspots on buses or providing MiFi hotspots to students.
  • In 2017, I created Case Studies in schools that had been on the lowest performing list for six consecutive years and showed no progress with district, regional, and state support. The case studies provided deeper insight into individual school situations and a greater understanding of the current practices. Our initial goal was to determine what was needed to reach CCRPI score of 60 or higher. Eight schools were selected, intentional funding and support were provided, and all eight schools exited the list the following year.
  • Created a statewide coaching partnership with GAEL (Georgia Association of Educational Leaders) to coach all state level leaders (Superintendents, Principals, Academic Officers, Finance Leaders, Special Education) on evidence-based standards of practice.
  • Created an agency-wide Continuous Improvement Team approach to respond to needs of school districts served by internal agency staff to ensure through a theory of action that students and teachers are priority for service and support from district, regional, and state leadership.
  • Created and provided funding for the Georgia School-based health center partnership initiative with the Governor’s Office.
  • Created partnership with Georgia Regional Agencies to provide a school improvement resource instructional (the SIRI project) to provide instructional core support to schools and districts in collaboration with experts across state agencies and intermediaries.
  • Implemented MTSS (Multi-tiered System of Support) Intervention for Georgia’s federally identified school districts to capture behavior support as well as academic support for students utilizing a continuous improvement framework in which data-based problem-solving and decision making could be practiced across all levels of the educational system.
  • Created a statewide leadership pipeline partnership with the state’s federally identified schools, Governor’s School Leadership Academy, and Gwinnett County School District’s Quality Leadership Academy to develop high-capacity school leaders (teacher, aspiring, and sitting principals).
  • Provided grants and created corporate partnerships to help schools and districts close funding gaps.

Principal

Maynard H. Jackson High School
10.2012 - 07.2017
  • Georgia’s graduation rate increased, rising from 80.6% in 2017 to 84.9% in 2023, which is an all-time high since the state began using the adjusted cohort calculation now required by federal law. The state’s federally identified school’s overall graduation rate for all CSI schools increased by approximately 6% (October 16, 2023, Press Release, AJC).
  • Georgia’s public-school students are now beating the national average on the SAT with a composite score of 1045 (533 ERW and 515 Math), forty-two points higher than the national average for public school students (September 25, 2023, Press Release, AJC).
  • Georgia’s public-school students surpassed the national average composite score on the ACT in 2023 with a composite score of 21.3. The national average for 2023 was 19.5. Georgia also outperformed the nation in English 20.7, reading (22.2), science (21.2), and CCRPI Content mastery scores improved from 2022 to 2023 – with the statewide score increasing from 63 to 64.7 for elementary schools, 60 to 60.9 for middle schools, and 64.7 to 65 for high schools.
  • After moving Sequoyah Middle School and Jonesboro High School (MJHS) from Needs Improvement to year, middle of the year, and end of year data for Distinguished and Rewards Status schools in Clayton County, the Georgia Department of Education recruited 5373 k-2 students. The percentage of all students meeting benchmarks grew by fifty percentage points, and no subjects or subgroups are ranked in the bottom five percent of the state any longer. School Climate Score increased to a 4 of 5 possible stars.
  • On the Statewide K-2 Literacy initiative with Growing Readers (which now incorporates phonemic awareness, phonics, vocabulary, fluency, and comprehension), schools submitted beginning of the year data from 12 percent at the beginning of the year to 63 percent at the end of the year.
  • The Multi-Sensory Reading Instruction Training Grant provided funding for every district in Georgia to implement an accelerated turnaround strategy focused on curriculum, assessment, instruction, human resources, and community.
  • Increased graduation rate from 53.8 in 2012 to 77 in 2016
  • Closed gaps in subgroup performance (Students with Disabilities, ELL, and Socioeconomically disadvantaged) Programs outlined in SB 48 Dyslexia guidance. Implemented 18 Advanced Placement courses to enhance accelerated opportunities for students.
  • Implemented 68 Extracurricular activities to serve talents and strengths of students while encouraging a culture of engagement.
  • Established “Mission Possible Summer Opportunity” allowing every student who desired to obtain employment and mentorships.
  • Restructured the entire curriculum at MH Jackson to focus on acceleration with increased opportunities for college and career readiness.
  • Implemented a two-way communication protocol to improve engagement and transparency among staff, parents, and student.

Principal

Jonesboro High School
07.2010 - 10.2012
  • Lead Principal for Area 1 (Mentored and provided professional development for new and novice principals while supporting all schools in Area 1) 2010 to 2012
  • Cleared Needs Improvement 4 Designation and Moved to State Level Rewards Progress Designation
  • Led curriculum, assessment, and professional development initiatives that resulted in Jonesboro High School making Adequate Yearly Progress for the 2010-2011 school term for the first time since 2004 and received Rewards Status for Progress in 2012
  • Increased attendance and significantly reduced chronic discipline.
  • Provided leadership and supervision in the areas of instructional leadership, staff development, staff evaluation, data analysis, operations, and finance.

Principal

Sequoyah Middle School
07.2007 - 07.2010
  • Cleared Needs Improvement 3 Status and moved to Distinguished Status
  • Students at Sequoyah Middle School moved from 41% passing the Georgia Writing Assessment prior to my leadership to 81% passing the Georgia Writing Assessment in a three-year period.
  • Attendance at Sequoyah Middle School increased from 88.2% to 96.2% in a three-year period.
  • English/Language Arts Scores on the CRCT increased 20.5 percentage points in three years; Math Scores on the CRCT increased 20.9 percentage points in three years. SWD math has increased 26.5% (not including FAY or GAA scores), Hispanic math has increased 26.3%, and ESOL math has increased 38.5%.
  • Discipline referrals decreased from 1057 to 716 in a three-year period, and Sequoyah is now recognized as a Georgia Safe School
  • Increased gifted student testing and placement.
  • The Southern Regional Education Board/ Making Middle Grade Work (SREB/MMGW) identified Sequoyah Middle School as a top ten school for gains/accomplishments on tests in all subject areas (2009-10)
  • Recognized by the Georgia Department of Education for ESOL accommodations (2009)
  • Implemented “Pedagogy and Practice” as an ongoing professional development program for new and struggling teachers.

Assistant Principal

Morrow High School
07.2006 - 06.2007
  • Facilitated School Improvement Plan development as leader of the SIP committee.
  • Master Schedule (Coordinator of schedule of classes and teaching assignments)
  • Organized a progressive discipline plan for the school.
  • As an instructional leader and coach, I observed classrooms, provided constructive feedback, facilitated professional development opportunities, and collaborated on curriculum development and assessment strategies.
  • Implemented Professional Learning Communities by establishing procedures and routines for grade-and subject-area teams to discuss and interventions in student performance.
  • Fostered a positive and supportive environment for all students, which included addressing student concerns and disciplinary issues, promoting social-emotional learning, and working with families to ensure their child's well-being and academic success.

Lead Counselor

Mt. Zion High School
07.2003 - 07.2006
  • Coordinated the activities of the counseling department, including calendaring school day and evening events for communicating valuable information to students and parents.
  • Coordinated student scheduling, data entry of grades, and production of transcripts.
  • Served as the primary liaison with community agencies that provide support counseling services to students, whether in on or off campus settings
  • Crisis intervention and mental health support were vital aspects of my role as a lead counselor. I was often on the front line in identifying and responding to student mental health concerns. I provided immediate support in crisis situations, connected students with mental health professionals, and implemented strategies to promote positive mental health within the school community.
  • Program development and data analysis were important in my duties to understand student needs and trends, then design and implement programs and interventions to address identified issues. This included programs related to academic success, social-emotional learning, career development, and overall well-being.

Senior Counselor

Riverdale High School
07.2001 - 06.2003
  • Actively listened, offered guidance, and connected students with appropriate resources.
  • SST (Student Support Team) and 504 Contact Person
  • Participated in parent/teacher meetings to discuss and develop emotional and behavioral strategies for students with physical, mental, and emotional challenges.
  • Provided
  • Organizer for College and Career Night, Graduation Ceremony, and Career Day; Facilitated PSAT, Financial Aid, and Georgia Career Information Services (GCIS) Workshops

Counselor

Blount High School/Scarborough Middle School
07.1998 - 06.2001
  • Increased scholarship awards for graduating seniors.
  • Developed a testing preparation program that resulted in a 99.5% pass rate on the High School Graduation Exam.
  • Provided individual counseling and support that provided confidential, one-on-one support to students facing academic, social, emotional, or personal challenges. This included actively listening, guidance, and connecting students with appropriate resources.
  • Initiated academic advising and career planning to help students navigate their academic journey, explore career options, and develop educational goals. This included assisting with course selection, college applications, financial aid, and career exploration activities.
  • Collaboration and community building. My role was to act as bridges between students, families, educators, and community resources. I collaborated with teachers to support student learning, worked with parents to address concerns, and connected students with external resources when needed.

English Teacher

Clark County School District
07.1995 - 06.1998
  • As a teacher, I was a champion of growth. I understood that every student learned differently and tailored my approach to meet individual needs. I employed differentiated instruction, used multiple assessment tools, and collaborated with colleagues and parents to ensure every student thrived. I provided flexible learning activities, targeted interventions, and celebrations of each student's unique strengths and journey.
  • Jackson Middle School’s Teacher of the Year (1997-1998)
  • Developed a student resiliency module for all middle schools in Clarke County
  • Coordinated an athletic director’s program to monitor athlete’s grades.
  • Coordinated and sponsored a community and peer tutoring program.

Education

Doctor of Education - Educational Leadership and Management

Capella University
Minneapolis, MN
01.2018

Class A Leadership Certification - Education Administration A Certification

University of South Alabama
Mobile, Alabama
01.1999

Educational Specialist Degree - Instruction Specialist, School Counseling

University of South Alabama
Mobile, Alabama
01.1998

Class A Counseling Certification - Guidance and Counseling

University of South Alabama
Mobile, Alabama
01.1996

Master of Education Degree - Secondary Education and English

University of West Alabama
Livingston, Alabama
01.1995

Bachelor of Arts Degree - Psychology and English

University of Alabama
Tuscaloosa, Alabama
01.1992

Skills

  • As a transformational educational leader with three decades of experience, I bring a proven record of raising student achievement, building leadership capacity, and strengthening school and district systems My skills directly align with the Griffin-Spalding County School District Superintendent qualifications:
    • 1 Instructional Leadership & School Improvement

    I have consistently demonstrated success in turning around underperforming schools and leading systemic improvement efforts As principal, I moved Sequoyah Middle, Jonesboro High, and Maynard Jackson High from “Needs Improvement” or Priority status to Reward and Distinguished recognition At the state level, I currently oversee School and District Effectiveness, leading more than 240 schools out of federal low-performing status in 2023–24, the highest in Georgia’s history

    2 Leadership Development & Talent Management

    I prioritize building leadership pipelines and developing strong teams As Georgia’s Deputy Superintendent, I provide training for superintendents, principal supervisors, principals, and assistant principals statewide My mentorship has helped leaders advance to become Principals of the Year, district executives, and Teachers of the Year At the school level, I designed professional development systems that increased teacher retention and instructional quality

    3 Data-Driven Decision-Making & Accountability

    I believe in translating data into action I have led the implementation of Georgia’s CCRPI, ESSA, and MTSS frameworks, ensuring accountability and progress monitoring across diverse schools I have balanced rigorous opportunities for high-performing students with targeted interventions for struggling learners, producing measurable gains in both achievement and equity of access

    4 Community Engagement & Stakeholder Collaboration

    I have established a reputation for building trust and fostering strong partnerships At Maynard Jackson High, I created the “Mission Possible” summer program, linking students with mentors and local business employment At GaDOE, I launched wraparound centers and school-based health partnerships, ensuring students’ academic, social, and emotional needs are met My leadership emphasizes transparency, collaboration, and family engagement

    5 Strategic Vision & Systems Management

    I have managed large-scale budgets, divisions, and operations at the district and state levels As Deputy Superintendent, I oversee School & District Effectiveness, Professional Development, and Alternative Education, coordinating resources across Georgia I have advanced school safety initiatives and aligned funding decisions to the Student Bill of Rights priorities My career is defined by the ability to articulate a clear vision and deliver measurable outcomes

    Conclusion

    The Griffin-Spalding County School District seeks a superintendent who can lead with vision, develop talent, engage the community, ensure safety, and drive academic excellence My career trajectory demonstrates strength in each of these areas, positioning me to deliver on the district’s priorities of literacy, talent retention, student success, safety, and communication I am prepared to bring transformational leadership, strategic focus, and a collaborative spirit to serve the students and community of Griffin-Spalding

Affiliations

Council of Chief School Officers (CCSSO) 2017 to Current, Emory School-based Health Center board member, GASSP Board of Directors Member (2016 to 2017) / Georgia School Superintendent Association (GSSA) member (2016 to present)/ Superintendent’s Advisory Board, Atlanta Public Schools (2013 to 2017) / Georgia State University Principal’s Center Board of Directors (2016 to Present) / The School Superintendents Association Member (AASA) (2016 to Present) / National Association of Secondary School Principals Member (2016 to Present) / National Association of Professional Women (2015 to 2017) / Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development Member (2010 to 2017) / Georgia Association of Educators Member (1995 to 2010) / Professional Association of Georgia Educators Member (2015 to 2017) / Georgia Association of Educational Leaders Member (GAEL) 2009 to Present / Superintendent’s Advisory Board, Clayton County (2010 to 2012)

Certification

Georgia Performance-Based Leadership Level 7 / School Counseling Level 6 / Leader Keys Evaluation Program / Teacher Keys Evaluation Program / Georgia School Counselor Evaluation Program / Georgia Media Specialist Evaluation Program / Crises Training Certified from National Organization for Victim Assistance

Timeline

Deputy Superintendent and Chief Turnaround Officer

Georgia Department of Education
07.2017 - Current

Principal

Maynard H. Jackson High School
10.2012 - 07.2017

Principal

Jonesboro High School
07.2010 - 10.2012

Principal

Sequoyah Middle School
07.2007 - 07.2010

Assistant Principal

Morrow High School
07.2006 - 06.2007

Lead Counselor

Mt. Zion High School
07.2003 - 07.2006

Senior Counselor

Riverdale High School
07.2001 - 06.2003

Counselor

Blount High School/Scarborough Middle School
07.1998 - 06.2001

English Teacher

Clark County School District
07.1995 - 06.1998

Class A Leadership Certification - Education Administration A Certification

University of South Alabama

Educational Specialist Degree - Instruction Specialist, School Counseling

University of South Alabama

Class A Counseling Certification - Guidance and Counseling

University of South Alabama

Master of Education Degree - Secondary Education and English

University of West Alabama

Bachelor of Arts Degree - Psychology and English

University of Alabama

Doctor of Education - Educational Leadership and Management

Capella University

PRESENT AND PAST COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT

Junior League of Atlanta (JLA), Georgia Association of Family and Community Partners Advisory Board, Lifetouch Memory Mission/ New Hope Baptist Church Member and Mission Friends Instructor /Clayton County Relay for Life Team Leader / Special Olympics Volunteer/ Heartcry Nonprofit Organization Volunteer (Orphan Mission) / University of Alabama Alumni Association Member / Parent Teacher Student Association (PTSA) Member

Publications

  • GSBA/GSSA (Georgia School Board Association and Superintendents) Annual Conference Workshop Presenter (2020, 2021, 2022, 2023) Presentation Topics: - Literacy and The Governance Team’s Role (2023) - Post-Pandemic: our Responsibility to Reimagine (2022) - Linking Accountability and School Support to Improve Outcomes for Students (2021) - Continuity of Academic Support During Covid-19 and Beyond (2020)
  • SREB National Conference 2022 -Mission Possible: Academies, Achievement, and Accountability
  • SREB National Coaching Conference (2023) - Mission Possible: Coaching for Continuous Improvement
  • GCEL(GeorgiaCompensatory 2018,2019,2020) PresentationTopics: - UsingSLDSandSchoolImprovementDashboardtoSupportSchoolImprovement(2020) - ConnectingESSA, Evidence, and Equity:Georgia Is on the Move (2019) - Effective School Leadership: Using ESSA as a Roadmap (2018)
  • Harvard University Center for Education Policy Research “Proving Ground” Advisory February 15, 2019 - Presentation topic: Key Indicators of College Readiness
  • National ESEA EquityConference February 6, 2020 - Presentation topic: Leading Equity with ESSA: Building School and District Effectiveness with Evidence
  • NationalCouncil of Chief State School Officers(CCSSO)Conference Presentations(2018-2020) - CCSSO National SchoolImprovementConference New Orleans February 18, 2020 Presentation topic: “Shifts That Led to Improved Outcomes in Underperforming Schools in Georgia.”
  • – CCSSO Annual PolicyConference November 9, 2019, Atlanta, Georgia Presentation topic: Linking Accountability and Partner Support to Improve Outcomes for Georgia Students
  • – CCSSO Advancing School Leadership Through School and Continuous Improvement Conference, Salt Lake City, Utah May 9, 2019 Presentation topic: Identifying and Creating Alignment Across School Leadership and School Improvement
  • – CCSSO 2019 Legislative Conference, Washington, DC April 9, 2019 Presentation topic: Linking Accountability and Partner Support to Improve Outcomes for Georgia Students
  • – CCSSO Family and Community Engagement Conference Atlanta, Georgia February 28, 2019, Presentation Topic: Georgia’s Process for Implementing School-based Wraparound Centers
  • – CCSSO School and District Improvement Conference - Orlando, Florida January 16, 2019, Presentation topic: Improving School Improvement: State and Local District Strategies for Improving School Improvement Facilitation
  • – CCSSO – Implementing Systems of Continuous Improvement Tampa, Florida Presentation Topic: Accountability and Leadership (December 12, 2018)

Awards

2023 SREB State Leader Award, 2023 GAEL (Georgia Association of Educational Leaders) Vision Award, 2023 University of Alabama “60 for 60” Honoree as one of 60 most influential Black graduates since integration pf the university in 1963/NASSP Principal of the Year Finalist (2017) / Lifetouch Memory Mission Recipient (2017) / Georgia Senate Nikki T. Randall Servant Leader of the Year Award and Resolution (2017) / Georgia House of Representatives Community Leader of the Year and Resolution (2017) / Elevate K-12 Partner Leadership and Vision Award (2017) / State of Georgia Outstanding Georgia Citizen Award and Proclamation (2016) / Secretary of State’s Georgia Goodwill Ambassador Award (2016) / Georgia Association of Secondary School Principals (GASSP) Principal of the Year (2016) / Atlanta City Council Key to the City and Proclamation (2016) / Atlanta Chief of Schools Principal of the Year (2016) / Atlanta Public Schools Principal of the Year (2016) / Fulton County Commissioner Proclamation (2016) / DeKalb County Commissioner Proclamation (2016) / Atlanta Board of Education Resolution (2016) / Pinnacle Leader of the Year Award (2016) / 2016 Shining Star in Education Award / United States Department of Education Principal Fellow Finalist (2016) / United States Secretary of Defense Award for Human Resource Leadership (2016) / Clark Atlanta University’s Upward Bound Leader Appreciation Award (2016) / Georgia State University Principal Center’s Joe Richardson Award for Exemplary Leadership (2015) / Atlanta Families Principal’s Award for Excellence in Education Winner (2014) / Atlanta Cowboys Youth Football Association’s Appreciation Award (2013) / Finalist Clayton County Principal of the Year (2011 and 2012) / SREB - Southern Region Education Board Principal’s Recognition at National Conference for School Improvement (2010) / Mount Zion High School Educator of the Month (2005) / Chapter 8 Counselor of the Year (2000) / Jackson High School Teacher of the Year (1997) / Alpha Theta Chi Honor Society (1997)

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