People Profile: Ms. Ellen Johnson, Assistant Principal

By Taylah Thompson, Staff Writer

New policies, events, and administrators! I sat down and talked with one of the newly appointed assistant principals, Ms. Ellen Johnson. Here she talks about her ambitions and life before Reservoir.

Q. “What did you do before you came to Reservoir and where did you go to school?”

A. “I grew up in Howard County and attended Hammond High School. I went to Loyola Maryland University to study biology and chemistry and stayed for my fifth year. I worked on my master’s degree in education and taught in Hampton City, Virginia.

Once I graduated with my master’s, I returned to Howard County and started teaching science at Homewood. So, for the past seven years, I’ve been at Homewood. I taught science: Biology, Advanced Physical Science, AP Physics, 8th-grade science, and a strength and conditioning class.”

Q. “What motivated you to move from teaching to administration?”

A. “I had many leadership positions at Homewood. I was in charge of the science department and several student initiatives, and I was the senior class advisor. Being an assistant principal meant I could help many more students and staff. So, I applied, got the position, and got a call saying I was coming to Reservoir.”

Q. “What are your goals for this school year?”

A. “My goal is always to help students and improve staff’s lives. It looks different every year and for every student, but my biggest goal is to continue growing the Reservoir community. During the pandemic, many people were at home and were alone. There weren’t many traditions for many students because they were on their computers at home. I want to help everyone reinvest themselves in the Reservoir community and create a great school and community for everyone.”