Get to Know Steve Johns

The Ames Community School District is highlighting our amazing Principals and Associate Principals during National Principals Month. Learn about Steve Johns, Interim Principal at Ames High School. Johns has been with the Ames CSD since October of 2021. He became a principal to inspire teams to build a cooperative environment and group synergy to achieve common goals.

Johns earned his Bachelor of Science degree, Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership, along with his Superintendent Endorsement from Iowa State University. He is excited about the new high school building and the energy it brings daily. 

He is inspired by biographies about people who have overcome adversity to become successful contributors to society. 

His favorite quote is “80 percent of success is showing up.”  To succeed, you have to start working on an idea or project, not merely sit around and think or worry, but start — show up to work on it.

Students may not know that Johns has qualified for the Boston Marathon on numerous occasions and is a licensed commercial pilot. It’s no surprise his favorite activity when he was the age of his students was running. When he has an hour of free time, he likes to stay in contact with his family and friends, especially his new and only grandchild. 

Johns’ advice for families and students is to say yes to opportunities and challenges that appear in your life. 

“The bad news is that time flies. The good news is that you are the pilot.” 

Thank you, Principal Johns!