Ashley Johnson leads UT Charter Scholars Academy (UTSCA Online) – the online campus of the UT Charter School System, where she and her team help students stay on track toward graduation.
Tell us a little about yourself.
I’m originally from Central Texas and have spent my career in education supporting students in traditional, non-traditional and virtual learning environments. I currently serve as the Executive Principal of UTCSA Online, where I lead an incredible team to help students stay on track toward graduation. In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my family, volunteering with Cub Scouts and spending time outdoors.
Education chose me: unsure of what to do with my Biology degree, I started out as a substitute teacher at Anderson High School. The principal at the time encouraged me to pursue my alternative certification, and before I knew it, I was in my own classroom and beginning a career that I quickly realized was my calling. What started as a temporary job became a passion for helping students overcome challenges, discover their potential and achieve their goals.
Who or what inspires you?
I am inspired by students who persevere through challenges to reach their goals. Many of our students have faced obstacles on their educational journey and watching them stay committed, earn credits, and graduate is incredibly motivating. I’m also inspired by our educators at UT Charter who go above and beyond each day to support students and families.
What is your favorite thing about your job?
The people. I get to work with an outstanding team that genuinely cares about students, and I have the privilege of watching those students grow, achieve their goals and earn their diploma. There is no greater reward than seeing their hard work pay off.
Which of the Six R’s (Relevant, Rhythmic, Repetitive, Relational, Rewarding, Respectful) do you find especially important in your work, and why? (The Six R’s are principles UT Charter educators use to guide teaching and learning.)
Relational is the most impactful of the Six R’s for UTCSA Online. In a virtual environment, it is easy for both students and staff to feel isolated or disconnected. Building strong relationships creates a sense of belonging and helps students feel supported, engaged and connected to their school community. Our Success Coach model is built around this belief. Success coaches serve as a consistent point of contact, providing encouragement, accountability and personalized support for students and families throughout their educational journey. These meaningful connections make the difference in helping students overcome challenges and achieve their goals. In an online setting, relationships are not just important, they are essential to student success.
From Ashley’s supervisor
What are some of her strengths? What makes her a great fit for her role?
Ashley’s primary strength is her relentless commitment to student progress. Conscientious and thorough, she balances empathy with accountability, ensuring everyone feels supported. What makes her an exceptional fit for the online campus principal role is her deep technical expertise, combined with an understanding of how to support students in a virtual environment. Her caring, student-centered approach and naturally collaborative leadership style make her highly effective at guiding both staff and families toward success.
Which of the Six R’s does she most embody, and how?
Ashley’s relational nature is the foundation of her approach to student support. By prioritizing genuine, trust-based connections, she creates an inclusive environment where students feel seen, heard and valued. This sense of belonging encourages learners to take academic risks, communicate their needs openly and stay engaged, even in a virtual setting. Her ability to build strong rapport allows her to anticipate individual student challenges early, offering empathetic guidance while holding them to high expectations.