Mr. Johnson's Principal Page

As the Principal of Coal City Middle School, I want to welcome you to our school for the 2023-24 school year. I am currently serving in my 25th and final year as a school administrator.  It has been my honor and privilege to spend the last 17 years in Coal City Unit District #1.  I have served as principal of Coal City Middle School for the past ten years and have also served as principal of Coal City Elementary School during my time in Coal City Unit District #1.  Before becoming a school administrator, I taught social studies, physical education and health at the elementary, middle and high school levels.  I also have coached football, basketball and track and field at the middle and high school levels. 

I live in Coal City with my wife, Lori, and have four children, Christian, Preston, Griffin and Brecken.  All of my kids have had the opportunity to go to Coal City Schools and have taken advantage of the many different programs and activities that our schools have to offer.  

Middle school focuses on the unique social, emotional, physical, and intellectual needs and growth of the middle school students. These years are difficult for all children. All three years present new and different changes and challenges for students. These three years for our students bring rapid physical growth and transformation which can cause social and emotional turmoil which can be difficult to handle.

The Staff of Coal City Middle School is dedicated and has chosen to take on the challenge of nurturing and teaching in a way that complements the needs of our students at this time in their lives.  Our grade level teams work together to create learning that applies to all disciplines to demonstrate the importance of all subject areas.  Our goal is to prepare our students by promoting thinking and learning with a 21st century focus to prepare all students to be successful in a global world.

We thank you for sharing your child(ren) with us for these very critical years. These three years move very quickly and I encourage parents to enjoy each phase with patience as you watch closely how rapidly your child grows during their time in middle school. 

A Little More Information About Mr. Johnson

Education: 
Bachelor of Science - 1990 - Western Illinois University - Physical Education 
Master of Science - 1997 - Western Illinois University - Principal Endorsement
Educational Specialist Degree - 2005 - Western Illinois University - Superintendent Endorsement

Educational Philosophy:
Education can offer many things but most importantly education offers Opportunity;

the Opportunity to think both critically and creatively to gain knowledge

the Opportunity to work cooperatively with others

the Opportunity to dream the unthinkable

If our schools are able to provide these Opportunities, our students will have the possibility to do great things in our school, our community and in the world

Favorite Quote – From the movie Coach Carter
"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, 'Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented and fabulous?' Your playing small doesn't serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. It is not just in some of us, it is in everyone, and as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others."