Dr. Johnson received his undergraduate degree from Illinois State University in Visually Impaired and Elementary Education and his Masters’ in Special Education from Temple University. He received his doctorate from the University of Pennsylvania in Organizational Leadership and Curriculum and Instruction in 2003. Dr. Johnson’s dissertation explored the implementation of standards at the elementary level and was titled, “Academic Learning Standards as Reform in an Elementary School – One School’s Journey”.
Dr. Johnson previously held positions as an Elementary Principal at Gladwyne Elementary School in Lower Merion School District and in Springfield School District he was an Elementary Principal at Sabold Elementary School, a Supervisor of Special Education and Director of Student Services. Dr. Johnson has taught numerous special education and regular education classes. Based on his work in special education and educational leadership, Dr. Johnson was an expert witness in four due process hearings. Dr. Johnson served a total of 37 years in public education.
Gladwyne Elementary School was awarded “Best of the Mainline” in 2007 when Dr. Johnson was principal. Sabold Elementary School was awarded the Blue Ribbon School designation in 1994. Dr. Johnson was chosen by the McDowell Institute at Bloomsburg University to serve on several panels to address mental health training programs at several state conferences. Dr. Johnson has served on numerous dissertation committees at Saint Joseph’s University and other colleges and universities in the Delaware Valley.
At Saint Joseph’s University, Dr. Johnson teaches both undergraduate and graduate level courses on assessment, educating students with high incidence disabilities, inclusive classroom practices, leadership in special education and supervision of special education programs. Dr. Johnson is a Youth Mental Health First Aid trainer and provides training to the student teachers in the fall and spring. He is also a trained in QPR (Suicide Prevention Program) and provides training to the students in the adolescent development course.
