James Brown selected as Principal for Johnson PS

Ryan Smith, the Department of Defense Education Activity community superintendent for Camp Lejeune, is pleased to announce James Brown as the new principal for Johnson Primary School at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. Brown will assume his duties on February 14.

“As a part of the Camp Lejeune community, Dr. Brown understands the needs of our Marine Corps families and is excited to work with them toward continued success at Johnson Primary School,” said Smith. “He has great charisma with students that translates into effective leadership.”

“I appreciate and understand the sacrifices of service members and their families,” said Brown. “I am excited to work with the Johnson Primary School team and the Camp Lejeune community to empower every student to SOAR!”

About James Brown

Born in Frankfurt, Germany to active-duty parents, James Brown earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Tennessee in sport management and business. He then received a master’s degree in elementary education and a doctorate in educational leadership and educational technology from the University of Phoenix.

Brown has taught grades second through fifth, as well as STEM (science, technology, engineering and math). He began his educational career in 2007 in Charlotte, North Carolina, then joined DoDEA in 2015 at Fort Benning, Georgia. In 2018, he became a school leader when he joined Tarawa Terrace Elementary, also located at Camp Lejeune, as its assistant principal.

Brown is committed to providing students with engaging, relevant learning experiences and opportunities to develop into lifelong learners. He played an important role in initiatives focused on student success, including implementing student-led conferences and monitoring individual student progress. He executed an initiative that used project-based learning to ensure all students participated in learning and the needs of each were met. His leadership empowered Fort Benning Stowers Elementary School robotics team to win several trophies at the regional and super regional level.

In combination with his teaching experience, Brown has demonstrated numerous leadership competences, including promoting continuous improvement of DoDEA schools, supporting schools through the accreditation process and implementing focused collaboration, during which educators use data and input to improve the effectiveness of instruction. He has established effective school environments and ensured educational decisions are relevant, driven by data and purposeful.
Fostering teacher development and growth is important to him, as it promotes success. Brown has led staff development sessions focused on 21st century learning initiatives, emotional well-being and strategies to promote higher order thinking in learners.

Brown and his wife, Anna, have two daughters — Cassidy and Charlotte — and a Bernedoodle puppy, named Charlie. He is a dedicated University of Tennessee fan and enjoys traveling, photography and grilling.