Meet the Board: Jason "Mr. J" Johnson, Board Member

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Biography

Jason “Mr. J” Johnson was elected to the Board of Education in November 2020 to serve a four-year term from December 2020-2024.

Mr. J holds a bachelor’s degree in biology with a minor in chemistry from Indiana University of Pennsylvania, and a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction with an emphasis on educational technology from Concordia University.

During his tenure as a science teacher with FCPS, Mr. J pioneered the county’s participation in the Maryland Science Olympiad program in 2008 at Thurmont Middle School. Over the following years he led a host of FCPS schools to recognition as local, state and national award winners. Later, he became the Science Olympiad Director for Frederick County, where he continued to provide rigorous opportunities for growth to students and teachers, bringing national prominence to FCPS.

During his time with the Office of Advanced Academics, Mr. J served as the first Science and Math Teacher Specialist for the Highly Able Learner (HAL) program, supporting the county while serving out of West Frederick Middle School. Traveling across the county, he offered training and support to educators, helping them ensure the continued success of our gifted learners.

From 2013-2016 Mr. J served as the Assistant Director of the Mathematics, Engineering, and Science Achievement program (MESA) at the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory in Laurel, MD. There, he developed curriculum and programs that advanced opportunities for students in Maryland and the nation, earning awards of distinction for innovation and service.

Mr. J is an author and inventor. In 2008, he penned the book Science Olympiad: New Coach’s Guide to Success to support educators and homeschooling parents who wanted to sponsor and lead their own Science Olympiad teams. Its contents are based on his own experiences leading his team to a Maryland state championship and the national finals as a first year coach. In 2014, he joined John Hopkins University's response to the Ebola outbreak, contributing to the success of an innovative team that was awarded a patent for the development of revolutionary personal protective equipment (PPE).

Currently, Mr. J is a computer science educator who has inspired many students to explore STEM career pathways. He currently teaches Introductory and AP Computer Science, engaging students with a variety of languages and tools, including: JavaScript/HTML/CSS, Java and Python Robotics. In 2019, he received the Code.org Diversity Award, for supporting pathways to opportunities in computer science for young women.

Highlights:

• 2010 Lions Club Co-Teacher of the Year Recipient
• 2008 Frederick County Character Counts Award Recipient
• 2006 Walt Disney Teacher of the Year Award Nominee

Mr. J has also served with various non-profit organizations in the Frederick County community and surrounding area over the past 15 years as a volunteer childcare director, soccer, and basketball coach.

He and his wife Jilcia, have two children, one currently enrolled and one an alumni of FCPS.