Annette Johnson, Assistant Principal of Pine Tree High School in Pine Tree ISD in Longview, has been selected to represent the Texas Association of Secondary School Principals as a Region 7 Outstanding Assistant Principal of the Year. TASSP recognizes outstanding principals and assistant principals from the twenty regional Education Service Centers in the state. School administrators are nominated and chosen by their peers within their regions. Nominations are based upon exemplary performance and outstanding leadership. As a Region 7 winner, Mrs. Johnson is eligible to compete for the state title of Texas Assistant Principal of the Year.
Starting her 30th year, Mrs. Johnson is a 4-year assistant principal and has been a member of the leadership team at Pine Tree High School since 2023. She has served in many roles throughout her career: HS Principal, Elementary Assistant Principal, Director of Fine Arts & UIL Academics, Director of Technology, Journalism Teacher, and Business Computer Applications teacher. She attended the University of Texas at Tyler and earned a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism. She attended Stephen F. Austin State University and earned a Master’s in Educational Leadership with Principal Certification, and later earned her Superintendent Certification. She is currently in the Doctoral program at Baylor University.
“I am truly honored to serve alongside my principal, Mr. Beeper Kraus, and my assistant principal colleagues each day,” Johnson said. “Together, we build relationships with the students and their parents, which is a privilege for me each year. The community of Pine Tree supports our teachers and students on a continual basis, and I’m proud to be a part of it.”
Mrs. Johnson is a risk taker, a visionary, and a leader of learners. She is credited with helping improve attendance at the high school, but more importantly, she champions each student to be a part of something special by participating in extracurricular activities, clubs, or organizations. She encourages them consistently and offers advice and strategies to achieve their lifelong goals.
"I nominated Annette Johnson because she embodies excellence in all she does—holding students accountable while uplifting and encouraging those around her,” Assistant Principal Kathleen Woodard said. “She is a true team player who challenges our administration to find better ways to help students succeed. Patient, kind, and a mentor to many teachers, Annette exemplifies the Pirate way. She welcomes new employees with open arms and walks beside them through challenges with patience and grace. Loving yet firm, she builds relationships rooted in care and shows her love by inspiring and challenging others to grow. Our campus sees her outstanding heart and leadership every day, and we are proud others now see it too."
Each of the regional winners will be recognized during the Jostens Night of the Stars Awards Dinner held in conjunction with the TASSP Summer Workshop each year in June. Each will be presented with an award and recognized in a commemorative Summer Workshop yearbook.