Schools
Dr. Christine Johns honored by Crain's for educational leadership
UCS Superintendent among Notable Women in Educational Leadership by Crain's Detroit Business
Utica Community Schools Superintendent Dr. Christine Johns has been named one of this year’s Notable Women in Educational Leadership by Crain’s Detroit Business.
Dr. Johns is among 35 educators selected by Crain’s editors for their career accomplishments, track record of success in the field, contributions to their community and mentorship of others.
Board of Education president Dr. Robert Ross said: “I am a professor of physics at the University of Detroit Mercy. I see first-hand how UCS students are competitive and truly prepared for success in their post-secondary education, thanks to the leadership of Dr. Johns.”
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Dr. Johns, who has served as superintendent of UCS since 2006, was also named one of Crain’s 100 Most Influential Women in Michigan in 2016.
“Dr. Johns is laser focused on students,” said William Young, president of Detroit Regional Dollars for Scholars and CEO of Plastipak. “She uses her skills as a clear communicator and thoughtful leader to expertly take her district and students to the next level.”
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Young noted that Dr. Johns has led efforts to provide more than $330,000 in scholarships to UCS students through the Detroit Regional Dollars for Scholars.
“Dr. Johns always puts students first,” he said. “Her determination to do what is right is constantly driving her work forward.”
In the September 23 edition, Crain’s notes that Dr. Johns presents at state and national conferences on the effective use of technology, access and equity for students and instructional leadership. She also represents UCS as an original member of the League of Innovative Schools, an initiative of the U.S. Congressionally authorized Digital Promise.
Her leadership has led to numerous opportunities for UCS students, including the Seal of Global Language given to students who demonstrate a high level of proficiency in at least one world language; a partnership with Code.org to expand opportunities in computer science for K-12 students; and Stevenson MADE, a four-year academy that combines academic content with instruction in welding, machining, automation and design engineering.
Through her work, UCS received two U.S. Department of Education grants, totaling more than $13 million, to launch new programs. The Utica Center for Science and Industry is a half-day program that allows 9th-12th graders to choose career and technical education pathways in multimedia production, mechatronics or engineering technology. The Utica Academy for International Studies (UAIS) offers the International Baccalaureate Programme (IB) and is consistently ranked as one of the nation’s most academically challenging high schools.
“Our students experience unparalleled success thanks to Dr. Johns’ vision and her commitment to excellence,” Dr. Ross said. “Her leadership has improved opportunities for our students while influencing education policy throughout Macomb County, the State of Michigan and our nation.”
Source: Utica Community Schools
Dr. Christine Johns, superintendent of schools
