Jason Johnson of Orange County Schools was named the 2025 Wells Fargo North Carolina Teacher of the Year in May. Watch his acceptance speech on NCDPI’s YouTube channel.
Q&A
NCDPI: Congratulations on being named the 2025 Wells Fargo NC Principal of the Year! What have your first four months been like?
Johnson: The first four months have been both exciting and meaningful. I’ve been thrilled to meet so many new people while continuing to shine a positive light on Orange High School and Orange County Schools. I’ve especially enjoyed connecting with the Regional Principals and Teachers of the Year at various events, and our time together at the North Carolina Center for the Advancement of Teaching in Ocracoke was particularly memorable.
Since being named Principal of the Year, I’ve had the opportunity to sit on the North Carolina State Board of Education, attend events alongside State Superintendent Mo Green as he rolled out the new strategic plan and speak to groups of new teachers. A highlight was being recognized at the NC State football game with the other Regional Teachers and Principals of the Year. Seeing myself on the Jumbotron was an unforgettable experience.
I’ve also traveled to San Antonio for the ISTE Conference, which was an incredible learning opportunity, and I’ve enjoyed serving on several committees as both a member and advisor. But what I’ve valued the most is being invited into spaces to share my message and my story. Delivering keynote addresses in Orange County and Northampton County allowed me to reflect on my own journey, while encouraging others to embrace the power of their stories and reminding us all that every student has a story worth telling, no matter their age, race or background.
In your moving acceptance speech, you emphasized the importance of giving students and staff the chance to use their unique talents. How can our state's education system better create these opportunities, particularly for historically underserved groups?
Let me start by saying that I believe the people in the state’s education system need to acknowledge that we do not have all the answers. I include myself in that. We do not have all the answers. That is why it is critical to build strong, ongoing relationships with historically underserved groups and communities so that trust can grow over time. To be clear, this cannot be a one-time meeting or a token gesture. Building trust requires consistency, and it requires us to do more listening than speaking.
Equally important, when it is time to stand up for underserved groups and communities, we must use our voices to protect and support them. We cannot stand by quietly and watch injustice happen.
As for creating opportunities for students and staff to use their unique gifts and talents, we need to shift from telling them what to do toward empowering them with the skills and support to make a difference. When we do that, we are not just unlocking their potential, we are helping them build the confidence and agency to shape the future.
Your role as Principal of the Year includes traveling across the state and advocating for public education. What issue(s) are you hoping to bring attention to?
There are several issues I want to bring attention to during my time as Principal of the Year, but a few stand out most clearly. First, I want to advocate for increasing pay for public school employees. Our teachers and staff work tirelessly, and fair compensation is essential to both retaining and attracting high-quality educators.
I also want to highlight the importance of rural education. Through the Principal of the Year process, it became even more apparent to me that many of our rural schools and communities are not highlighted or supported in the ways they deserve. These schools face unique challenges, yet they also hold incredible potential when given the right resources and attention.
Finally, I am committed to standing firm in protecting every student’s constitutional and human right to a quality education. That means working to eliminate the barriers that too often stand in the way of students accessing the full range of opportunities our public schools provide. Every student deserves not only access, but the chance to thrive.
The goal of NCDPI’s blog is to celebrate the good in public education. What are some good things happening in education that you think are worth celebrating?
Well, I have to start by giving a shout out to Orange County Schools. For the first time ever, 100 percent of OCS schools met or exceeded growth for the 2024–2025 school year. This accomplishment is so well deserved because the staff, students and community members all worked tirelessly on behalf of students.
Beyond our district, all of North Carolina’s public schools are worth celebrating. The overtime and extra effort that staff members put in to care for students is simply incredible. Across the state, the variety of programs, specialty schools, and unique opportunities available to students is something that should make us all proud.
From career and technical education, to community college courses, to STEM, the arts and countless other offerings, our students have access to pathways that truly prepare them for their futures. Like I said in my speech, public schools are doing the impossible. There is nothing that public schools cannot do when we believe in our students and give them the support they need.
Just for Fun
In your nearly 30-year career as an educator, what’s the craziest/silliest/most confusing trend you’ve seen among students?
Well, I have seen a lot of trends, but I want to acknowledge that every generation, from the beginning of time, has had them. What really stands out in recent years is the influence of social media. TikTok in particular has brought all kinds of trends into schools, especially the dances.
While some of it can feel a little silly to some, I like to put a positive spin on it. From what I notice, these dances actually teach students about teamwork. They have to be on beat, stay synchronized and practice together, and that builds collaboration and connection in a way that is fun and creative.
What would your students and/or staff be surprised to learn about you? Do you have any hidden talents/hobbies/interests?
This is actually a tough question for me because I share so much about myself. I am pretty much an open book, and most people already know a lot about me. For example, everyone knows I love the Dallas Cowboys and that I enjoy playing fantasy football with my son. So instead, I will share a few of my fears that people might not expect. I am scared of the dark, heights and most animals. Those might surprise some folks, but it is the truth.
What was your favorite class in high school?
My favorite class in high school was Physical Education. I had the coolest PE teachers, and they were such great role models who made a lasting impact on me. And while I am at it, I want to send a big shout-out to Hillside High School and the Class of 1992.
If you weren’t a principal, what job would you do?
This is an easy question for me to answer. I would be a nurse. I would follow in the footsteps of my mother, who was a nurse for many years and a true inspiration to me. I have always had a heart for helping people, and nursing would give me that same opportunity. I honestly could not imagine working in any job where I was not serving and supporting others.
This or That
Field day or field trip?
I would choose a field trip because it gives students the opportunity to be exposed to new experiences outside the classroom. Field trips allow learning to come alive in different ways, and they also create great opportunities to get to know students better on a more personal level.
Bus duty or hallway duty?
I would prefer hallway duty because it gives me more opportunities to connect with students. During bus duty, they are usually in a hurry to get home and all I hear is “Bye, Mr. Johnson.” But in the hallways, I get a chance to talk with them and build stronger relationships. The only downside is that sometimes students will try to use me as their excuse for being late to class, which can get me in a little trouble with their teachers.
Hot lunch or lunch box?
As a principal, I have to laugh at this question and say, “What is lunch?” Most principals hardly ever get the chance to actually sit down and eat. But if I do get the opportunity, I like to go all in and choose a hot lunch.