Q&A: Anthony Johnson, Principal of Allendale Elementary

Anthony Johnson knows what it’s like to be a student in the Williamson County School district — he’s a 1994 graduate of Franklin High School. He also knows what it’s like to be part of leadership at Allendale Elementary in Spring Hill, as he’s served as the assistant principal for the past six years.

Johnson was recently named principal of Allendale, replacing Cindy Davis, who has returned to lead Longview Elementary in Spring Hill, a school that she helped launch nearly 20 years ago.  

He sat down with Williamson Scene to discuss the ups and downs of serving as principal. 

Williamson Scene: What stands out about Allendale? 

Anthony Johnson: Allendale is a very unique school. One thing that stands out is just that family-oriented atmosphere that you feel with the staff, students, as well as with parents. It's truly what I would consider a village-type atmosphere where everybody just works together, communication flows in all directions, and of course, the children or students are at the center of all the decisions, as well as activities that we try to embrace and put forth to keep this place exciting.

What's something that you hope to accomplish in your new role?

One of my goals, of course, is to continue that academic excellence that Allendale is known for. I want to continue to make sure we remain on the reward school list, meaning we have great growth and achievement from our students' standardized test testing results, but also I'm trying to make sure that I don't miss the mark and make sure these kids feel seen, feel valued, feel supported from me like they always have. I'm in this new role, and I know I'm going to have some different types of demands. 

When it comes to education, what is the biggest joy and the biggest challenge of working in the field?

​The biggest joy is relationships. When you get to know these little friends, what motivates them and what makes them tick, it is a sweet, sweet little moment. You can also use that as an incentive to get the most and the best out of them. I would also say probably one of the more challenging things about education, in my opinion, would be the amount of things we're having to do in that short window of time. I just feel like time is always against us, and while we want to do all these creative and innovative things, we just don't have enough time just because of some of the requirements that the state has pushed down as far as recess, as far as instructional practices.

What do you do to recharge and make sure you don't get burned out? 

One of the things I try to do is just stay somewhat fit and active. I try to at least walk every day. If not, I get me an early morning workout at the Williamson County Rec Center close to my home. Spending time with family, of course, is still most important. And last but not least, just taking time to do things I enjoy — watching football or most sporting events, trying to attend sporting events, and then I just love being outdoors. Anytime I can get outdoors to mow the lawn or do something handy or renovate something, those are things that recharge me and give me meaning and purpose.

If you think back to your experience in elementary school, was there an experience that you had with a teacher or an administrator that inspired you to go into this field?

​​I actually had a really, really positive experience growing up being a native of Franklin. I went through the Franklin Special School District. I was a proud graduate of Franklin High School, class of '94. I can speak firsthand to what students are experiencing by going through Williamson County School District. I had a lot of teachers that would pour into me and help me see the end of the tunnel, so to speak. These teachers would often just tell me, 'Hey, Anthony, you're different. Hey, Anthony, you got this gift. Hey, Anthony, you're gonna be so successful.' You can hear that, and you start to believe that, and before you know it, that has come to fruition.

Is there a mantra you go by or a piece of advice that has been especially helpful for you? 

Every day is a fresh start, and you have a choice to make it a great day, or not so great day. I try to make sure I think through that all day long because I know ultimately I'm gonna cross paths with a lot of different types of people, people from various walks, and I just always like to stay in control of my feelings.  I know sometimes I, as the principal, will have to make decisions that not everybody will agree with. But at the end of the day, if the decision is what's best for kids, I can find peace in it. 

What do you want parents to know about you? teachers? students? 

I want parents to know that I'm approachable and I'm open to feedback. Teachers, I want them to know that I am supportive and encouraging, if they didn't already know that. As far as students, I want them to know that I have high expectations for both learning and having fun.