Pine Tree ISD named most outstanding in Region 7

LONGVIEW — Our news partner KETK is reporting that Pine Tree High School assistant principal, Annette Johnson, was selected as an Outstanding Assistant Principal of the Year Region 7 representative in the Texas Association of Secondary School Principals (TASSP). Johnson is currently in her fourth year as an assistant principal and has been a member of the leadership team at Pine Tree High School since 2023. She has taken on various roles in education including high school principal, elementary assistant principal and director of technology.

TASSP recognizes outstanding principals and assistant principals across 20 regional Education Service Centers in Texas.

“I am truly honored to serve alongside my principal, Mr. Beeper Kraus, and my assistant principal colleagues each day,” Johnson said. “Together, we build relationships with the students and their parents, which is a privilege for me each year. The community of Pine Tree supports our teachers and students on a continual basis, and I’m proud to be a part of it.”

Johnson has been described as a visionary, leader of learners and a risk taker. Assistant Principal Kathleen Woodard said that Johnson has done a great job pushing high school students to become more involved with extracurriculars and becoming more involved with the school.

“I nominated Annette Johnson because she embodies excellence in all she does, holding students accountable while uplifting and encouraging those around her. She is a true team player who challenges our administration to find better ways to help students succeed. Patient, kind, and a mentor to many teachers, Annette exemplifies the Pirate way. She welcomes new employees with open arms and walks beside them through challenges with patience and grace. Loving yet firm, she builds relationships rooted in care and shows her love by inspiring and challenging others to grow. Our campus sees her outstanding heart and leadership every day, and we are proud others now see it too.”

All regional winners will be recognized and receive an award at the Jostens Night of the Stars Awards Dinner that is held in conjunction with the TASSP Summer Workshop in June.