Dr. Albert Johnson Jr. holds a Bachelor of Science degree and a Master's degree from Northwestern University of St. Paul, and a doctorate degree in Educational Leadership from Bethel University. Dr. Johnson served five years as an equity/integration specialist in Hopkins, Minnesota, facilitating before, during, and after-school programs. He served as Site Administrator in St. Paul Public Schools for two years and also worked as a student advocate. Dr. Johnson dedicated seven years in the St Cloud area School District where he served as, asst. principal and then principal of the McKinley Area Learning Center, principal of Apollo High school, and Director of Equity Services. Dr. Johnson states, “I believe all children can achieve at high academic levels and find success when giving opportunities to achieve, a supportive school culture, and the appropriate levels of expectations and rigor”
Dr. Johnson has seven children and five grandchildren. Loves to spend time with his family, cook, golf, bowl and yes roller skate. Dr. Johnson's favorite quote from a student is, "Don't be afraid to be yourself, you're perfect just the way you are.”
Dr. Johnson Believes it takes more than credentials to succeed as a school administrator, and Johnson has faced those challenges. As assistant principal at McKinley, Dr. Johnson led a student advocate group to address bullying of Somali students after a student walkout and a federal intervention.
Dr. Johnson has written about implicit bias in education and had to work through those realities. The St. Cloud School District has more than 50% students of color, a similar makeup to ISD 197.
At the same time, Dr. Johnson also understands the value of bringing a smile. In February, he shared his unconventional morning routine, which includes a pair of roller-skates
Fox 9(MPLS,KARE11) did a story on Dr. Johnson skating at Two Rivers High School: “I made a vow I would not be a traditional principal,” Dr. Johnson said.
