Dr. Michael Johnson (AK '08)
Dean, College of Education / Director of Special Projects South Carolina Department of Education
Columbia International University
Columbia, SC
At the time of the Award, Dr. Michael Johnson was:
Principal
Glennallen Elementary School
Glennallen, AK
Grade(s):
K,
1,
2,
3,
4,
5,
6
https://www.crsd.us
Biographical Information
Dr. Michael Johnson was appointed Commissioner of the Alaska Department of Education and Early Development on June 17, 2016 and served until June 30, 2022. From 2019 to 2022, Dr. Johnson served as Alaska’s Lt. Governor Designee. Commissioner Johnson was appointed to the Council of Chief State School Officers’ Board of Directors in 2019 and served until 2022.
Before becoming Alaska’s Commissioner, Dr. Johnson served in the Copper River School District as superintendent, school principal, district curriculum and staff development director, elementary teacher, and special education program assistant. During his tenure as its principal, Glennallen Elementary School was named a Blue Ribbon School by the U.S. Department of Education. Dr. Johnson also is a recipient of the prestigious Milken Educator Award.
Commissioner Johnson holds a Bachelor of Arts degree and a Master of Arts in Teaching degree in elementary education from Columbia International University, and a Doctor of Philosophy in education and intercultural studies from the University of Alaska Fairbanks.
Dr. Johnson currently serves as Dean of the College of Education at Columbia International University in Columbia, SC.
