Emily Johnson ‘not done’ as she steps away from Ridpath principal role

Monday, June 6, 2022
Out-going Ridpath Primary School Principal Emily Johnson has fun with a group of students in the lunchroom recently.
Banner Graphic/JARED JERNAGAN

In 23 years with Greencastle Community Schools, Emily Johnson has learned that her sweet spot is with the youngest of children.

She taught first, second, third and fourth grades, as well as serving as Tzouanakis Intermediate School assistant principal before spending the last eight years as Ridpath Primary School principal.

In her time at Tzouanakis, she learned that the problems get a bit heavy for fifth-graders and beyond. She likes the speed at which the primary kids move.

“I have settled more arguments about if unicorns are real and which superhero is the best,” Johnson said with a smile.

For her next assignment, she’s likely going even younger. Johnson recently tendered her resignation from her position, but does not have her next career move lined up yet.

However, six months ago, Emily and husband Shane became grandparents for the first time. Grandma might just spend the next year or so focusing on that.

“I may work for Xavier Aguirre,” Johnson said. “He’s six months old, and that role has been the best. They have something that’s magic.”

Embracing that role full-time should also be of assistance to another Greencastle educator, as daughter Shelby Aguirre is a Tzouanakis teacher.

“I’ve just enjoyed watching her grow and now become an educator — fourth grade at Tzouanakis,” Johnson said. ‘We have enjoyed our time together too.”

Johnson doesn’t have immediate plans, noting only that she “knew it was time for a change.” However, the struggles of being an educator during a worldwide pandemic did not help.

“It was so difficult for anyone in education,” Johnson said of the COVID-19 pandemic. “I didn’t feel like I got to be the best version of myself.”

Still, she looks back fondly on her time at Ridpath.

“I was here for eight years, and I had a good run,” Johnson said.

Johnson’s tenure with GCSC also gave her the unique chance to have an impact on kids in four different buildings.

“I think I’m one of the few people who taught at Jones, Deer Meadow, Tzouanakis and then was at Ridpath,” Johnson said.

Additionally, reflecting on her experiences, Johnson is confident her journey with teaching is not over.

“I’m not done with education,” she said.