Ms. Amanda Schwerdt-Johnson named DoDEA Pacific 2025 Principal of the Year

Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) Pacific Region is pleased to announce the selection of Humphreys High School Principal Ms. Amanda Schwerdt-Johnson as the region’s 2025 Principal of the Year. 

“Ms. Schwerdt-Johnson exemplifies the highest standards of educational leadership and is so deserving of this recognition,” said Ms. Lois Rapp, DoDEA Pacific Director for Student Excellence. “She is committed to excellence and encourages students and staff to meet high expectations, resulting in high academic achievement.” 

Ms. Schwerdt-Johnson has served as the lead administrator at Humphreys High School since January 2022. She began her career in education as a Teacher for America corps member teaching middle school in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. She joined DoDEA in August 2004 as a Drama and English Language Arts teacher at Sigonella Middle and High School in Sicily, Italy. She later transferred to the United Kingdom and taught at Menwith Hill Unit School and Lakenheath Middle School. Prior to being selected as principal of Humphreys High School, Ms. Schwerdt-Johnson served as the assistant principal at Seoul American High School, Humphreys Middle School, and Humphreys High School, as well as a secondary English Language Arts Instructional Systems Specialist for the Pacific West District Office in South Korea.

“This recognition is not just a personal achievement, but a reflection of the incredible students, staff, and community I have the privilege to serve at Humphreys High School, within PAC West, and across the entire Pacific Region,” Ms. Schwerdt-Johnson said. “It is a reminder of the hard work, dedication, and collaboration that drive excellence in our schools, and it motivates me to continue pushing for the best outcomes for every student.  This holds significant meaning for me because it represents the collective effort of those I work alongside. It is a celebration of the teachers, staff, and leaders who share the same vision of fostering an environment where students can thrive and succeed. It’s also a recognition of the remarkable perseverance and adaptability of our students, who inspire me every day with their determination and resilience.”

Ms. Schwerdt-Johnson said her “why” for serving as a DoDEA school principal is rooted in her commitment to supporting military-connected students, ensuring they feel valued and empowered in a school community that understands their unique needs. 

“I believe that strong schools are built on relationships, and my goal is to foster a culture of trust, belonging, and high expectations,” she said. “At Humphreys High School, we strive to ‘soar above the rest,’ and I am proud to see this spirit extend throughout PAC West and the Pacific region as a whole. It is incredibly rewarding to work with educators who share this vision, and this recognition only strengthens my commitment to making a lasting impact on the lives of our students and their families.”

Ms. Schwerdt-Johnson earned a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies, with a minor in Literature, from Loyola Marymount University. She has also earned a Master of Arts in Human Communication from California State University, Chico, and a Master of Education in Educational Leadership from University of Cincinnati.

The DoDEA Principal of the Year Program recognizes one outstanding school principal in each region. These individuals have succeeded in leading high-quality learning opportunities for students as well as demonstrating exemplary contributions to the profession. The process begins at the local level, where principals are nominated by peers, employees, parents, students or community members.

One of the Regional awardees will be selected as the DoDEA Principal of the Year, and proceed through a national association nomination process, representing DoDEA at the national level. During the year, the chosen Principal of the Year will serve as an ambassador to their profession, be provided leadership growth opportunities, and support DoDEA priorities and initiatives.

DoDEA plans, directs, coordinates, and manages pre-kindergarten through 12th grade education programs for school-age children of Department of Defense personnel who would otherwise not have access to high-quality public education. DoDEA schools are in Europe, the Pacific, Western Asia, the Middle East, Cuba, the United States, Guam, and Puerto Rico. DoDEA also provides support and resources to local educational agencies throughout the United States that serve children of military families.