Mr. Douglas Johnson, Operational Principal
NEW ROLE AT IHS AS OPERATIONAL PRINCIPAL
Many of you have had questions about what does it mean to be an Operational Principal. After leaving Horace Mann, where I was the Principal, I was appointed to come back to the Senior High to work with Mr. McElheny again. I rejoin the team as the Operational Principal, which means that I will be serving many of the roles that I had previously when I was the Assistant Principal, as well as having additional roles and responsibilities that come with the newly created position. I will also maintain my role as the IDEAL Principal, as well as ESL Services. Mr. McElheny and I have always formed a strong team together, and I look forward to continuing to work with him and all of the students, faculty, staff, and families in my new role as Operational Principal.
STILL EXCITED TO BE AT IHS
The 2022-23 School Year will mark my 5th year at IHS and one thing that really has stood out to me since I have been here is how much I enjoy working at IHS. I felt this way when I started at IHS, and I continue to feel that the reputation that this school has for success and its surrounding community’s commitment to supporting your school is second to none. I am truly honored to have become a part of your school family, and I look forward to seeing all of the great things that will continue to come from IHS students! Now a resident of the Indiana Area School District, I am also excited to continue the great things that are at this school and I look forward to watching my own children (Beau, Dax, and Sloan) experience all of the great things that this school and community has to offer!
ABOUT MR. JOHNSON
As a former math teacher I understand the importance of being a well prepared and meticulous learner. However, I would be amiss if we didn’t first stress the importance of students feeling what they do matters. As a lifelong learner, I have found that the most important factor in someone’s educational experience is the feeling of belonging. Similar to Indiana, I came from a district that put student centered education at the forefront of their decision making. I recognize the importance of this, and I hope to continue making your students grow by helping them take ownership of their experience here at IHS. Now, as an Assistant Principal, I have continued to see that the way we work with each other and communicate matters. I have been blessed to work with great people in many great places, and I believe that all of the people in this district set a high bar for professionalism and commitment to continued growth. I can’t wait for the new year to start, and I thank all of you for welcoming me into your Indiana School Family! Go Indians!
As a former math teacher I understand the importance of being a well prepared and meticulous learner. However, I would be amiss if we didn’t first stress the importance of students feeling what they do matters. As a lifelong learner, I have found that the most important factor in someone’s educational experience is the feeling of belonging. Similar to Indiana, I came from a district that put student centered education at the forefront of their decision making. I recognize the importance of this, and I hope to continue making your students grow by helping them take ownership of their experience here at IHS. Now, as an Assistant Principal, I have continued to see that the way we work with each other and communicate matters. I have been blessed to work with great people in many great places, and I believe that all of the people in this district set a high bar for professionalism and commitment to continued growth. I can’t wait for the new year to start, and I thank all of you for welcoming me into your Indiana School Family! Go Indians!
EDUCATION
University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown
Fall 2006 – Spring 2011
Bachelors of Science, Secondary Education (Mathematics)
University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown
Fall 2006 – Spring 2011
Bachelors of Science, Secondary Education (Mathematics)
Saint Francis University
Fall 2015 – Summer 2017
Masters of Education
Fall 2015 – Summer 2017
Masters of Education
Indiana University of Pennsylvania
Summer of 2017 – Spring 2018
Principal Certification
Summer of 2017 – Spring 2018
Principal Certification
WORK EXPERIENCE
Indiana Area Senior High School - Operational Principal
2023-Present
Horace Mann Elementary School - Principal
2023
Indiana Area Senior High School - Assistant Principal
July 2019 – 2023
Working with students and faculty to make our school the best in the area!
Richland High School – Geometry Teacher
September 2012 – July 2019
I was a math teacher, coach (football, volleyball, tennis), PA Announcer, and just about anything else that I could do to impact students’ lives
September 2012 – July 2019
I was a math teacher, coach (football, volleyball, tennis), PA Announcer, and just about anything else that I could do to impact students’ lives
US Army – Sergeant, Combat Engineer
October 2003 – October 2009
Soldier and Team Leader. I learned that every day is a challenge, and that a good attitude can accomplish more than a bad one.
October 2003 – October 2009
Soldier and Team Leader. I learned that every day is a challenge, and that a good attitude can accomplish more than a bad one.