The Minnesota Association of School Administrators (MASA) has named Dr. James Johnson, Superintendent at Monticello Public Schools, the 2016 Richard Green Scholar. Dr. Johnson will present his research, “An Evaluation of Implementation and Effectiveness of Professional Learning Communities in Minnesota Public Schools” at the MASA Fall Conference, October 2-4, 2016, in Brainerd, Minnesota.

MASA, with the support of Cuningham Group Architecture, Inc., established the Richard Green Scholars Program in 2006 to honor the scholarly work and professional development of Minnesota school leaders. The program is an annual recognition of the research, writing, and presentation of a paper reflecting the practice of excellent school leadership. Scholar candidates apply for the program and a subcommittee of the MASA Executive Development Committee selects the recipient.

Prior to his position as Superintendent at Monticello Public Schools, Dr. Johnson served as the district’s Assistant Superintendent and Middle School Principal. He has also served as an administrator in the New Prague School District. Jim also was a teacher in the Sartell School District.

Dr. Johnson earned his Doctor of Education in Educational Administration and Leadership from St. Cloud State University in May 2016. He earned his 6th Year Certificate and Master of Science from St. Cloud State University. He received his Bachelor of Science from the University of Minnesota.

Throughout his professional career Dr. Johnson has been interested in professional development and firmly believes quality professional development is the key to continuous professional growth among educators. His passion in this area led him to leadership opportunities as a teacher and was critical to his calling to administration. Recently, Dr. Johnson’s doctoral study focused on professional learning communities as the critical vehicle for creating a culture in our schools that will lead to the goal of continuous improvement.

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