Dr. Keith Johnson, Principal of Appling County Middle
School, was awarded the 2007 Leadership in Literacy
Award by the Georgia Branch of The International
Dyslexia Association on February 9, 2008 in Atlanta.
Receiving the award in his absence was Pam Johnson,
Appling County Middle School Language Arts Teacher.
Also attending the ceremony in Dr. Keith Johnson’s honor
were Debra Brantley, Special Education Director, and
Amanda Harper, Elementary Special Education
Facilitator. The award demonstrates the Association’s
appreciation and recognition of dynamic and creative
leadership in education and recognizes Dr. Johnson’s
outstanding efforts to promote and encourage literacy,
reading, and student achievement. Dr. Johnson is the
first principal in the southeastern region of Georgia to
receive this award.
Under Dr. Johnson’s leadership, Appling County Middle
School has received the Gold Single Statewide
Accountability System award for Greatest Gains in
meeting and exceeding academic standards, Title I
Distinguished School award for the past two years,
Exemplary School of Writing award for the past four
years, and been recognized for the tremendous gains of
students with special needs. Because of his leadership
and strong desire to ensure that all students reach
their fullest potentials, Appling County Middle School
students are excelling in classrooms and on state
assessments. As a result of these accomplishments, Dr.
Johnson has received the prestigious title of High
Performing Principal for the past two years. This award
is presented by the Georgia Department of Education and
Governor Perdue to principals who have higher than
expected student scores on state assessments over a
three year period. Although Dr. Johnson has recently
experienced personal medical trials and setbacks, he
continues to place his students and staff at the top of
his priority list. He is a true team captain who takes
personal responsibility for ensuring student progress at
Appling County Middle School.
Dr. Johnson supports intervention programs that have led
not only to success at the local level, but they have
also exceeded expectations at the district and state
levels. His school was the first school in the district
to implement special education inclusion for students.
In previous years, students with disabilities spent the
majority of instructional time in an isolated setting.
With Dr. Johnson’s efforts and a staff of supportive
educators, students with disabilities are now provided
instruction in an inclusive setting. Appling County
Middle School teachers embraced the inclusion concept
and formed a positive partnership with parents, the
community, and other professionals. Dr. Johnson works
closely with central office administrative staff to
ensure that instruction is effective and students are
progressing as expected. When talking with Dr.
Johnson, his support for the success of all students is
evident as he speaks fondly of accomplishments made by
both staff and students. Dr. Johnson does not take the
credit. He constantly gives praise to the quality of
the staff, the motivation of the students, and the
support of the parents and community. He always takes a
personal interest in the students as evidenced by the
frequent “pep-talks” and praise given to students who
need a little encouragement.
Dr. Johnson has worked collaboratively with the Special
Education Director and Title I Director to initiate
reading connection classes for all at-risk students and
those identified as having a disability in reading. The
initiation of this remedial program was designed to meet
the needs of all students in need of specialized reading
instruction. The result has been significant, as
students have made improvement in the area of reading.
As a result of the reading improvements, students have
experienced success in other academic content areas. The
accomplishments of Dr. Johnson and Appling County Middle
School have not gone unnoticed by educational leaders
throughout the state. Numerous school systems have
visited Appling County Middle School to observe high
quality instruction, seek input from teachers and staff
members, and consult with Dr. Johnson on how to help
their schools achieve at the level of Appling County
Middle School. With Dr. Johnson’s leadership and
devotion to the students and faculty, Appling County
Middle School continues to remain a high performing
school. Dr. Johnson is committed to ensuring that all
students receive a challenging, high quality education
and supports literacy by keeping an open mind and
focusing on his goal of maintaining a “school of
excellence for all learners” (ACMS Mission).
