Consol has seen many changes going into the 2022-23 school year, but perhaps the most significant is a new addition to the school’s higher leadership: Mr. Byron Johnson, an elementary school teacher turned high school vice-principal. I had the privilege of chatting with him the other day.

 

Q: Where did you work prior to Consol?

A: In Baytown, Texas.

 

Q: Did you grow up wanting to be a school administrator?

A: A lot of my family is in education. My mom worked in education, and my grandparents were teachers, so it just kind of seemed like the right thing to do.

 

Q: What was high school like for you?

A: I don’t really have too many words for high school, I was just glad to be done with it.

 

Q: What was your favorite part of high school?

A: Being on the track team, for sure.

 

Q: How did you feel going into your first day at Consol?

A: Nervous. Very nervous.

 

Q: Did you feel any different going into your second day?

A: No, [I am] still a little nervous. High school kids can be intimidating.

 

Q: How have you adjusted to this new position?

A: I am still definitely adjusting. It is a day to day process. 

 

Q: How is Consol’s environment different from the other schools you have worked for?

A: That’s interesting, because it’s hard to compare. Being in the elementary world for the ten years I have been in education, moving up to highschool was a completely different wheelhouse. There is a lot of tiger pride and traditions that a lot of these kids like to participate in, so it is cool to watch y’all do that. It is just a different world.

 

Q: Describe the typical day in the life of a vice principal.

A: Discipline, discipline, and more discipline. Also, car duty.

 

Q: Why do you like being a vice principal?

A: As a teacher, I was limited to one room, but as a principal, I get to explore the whole school.

 

Q: What is the hardest part about this job?

A: The hardest part is trying to develop relationships with all the different students.

 

Q: What is the best part about this job?

A: Getting to meet so many different people.

 

Q: And what are you most excited about for this coming year? 

A: I’m interested in getting to learn the Consol way by familiarizing myself with the campus and becoming part of the Tiger family.

 

 Q: What do you enjoy doing outside of work?

A: I like working out and going to track meets. I like going out to eat and finding new restaurants. And I love Netflix.

 

Q: Who is your favorite musical artist or band?

A: Right now I would say it’s either Kendrick Lamar or J Cole.

 

Q: Chips and queso or fries and ketchup? 

A: Chips and queso.

 

Q: Is a hotdog a sandwich?

A: No.

 

Q: What is your best piece of advice for highschoolers?

A: Try different things and make mistakes. Get it all out of the way now.

 

Q: What is your best piece of advice for seniors preparing to graduate?

A: Enjoy being a kid while you can, because then you have to start paying bills.