Matthew Johnson has been with the NSW Department of Education NSW for 34 years and was originally visual arts and music trained before undertaking postgraduate studies in special education. He has held positions in high schools, central schools, primary schools, regional and head office positions, in rural, remote and metropolitan areas. He has been a principal for 22 years working in special school settings and has been principal of five special schools and previously a head teacher of two specialist settings.
Matthew has also held positions as State Coordinator of Behaviour Programs NSW DEC, was a NSW Premiers’ Special Education Scholar, an International Fire Instructor (Lead Trainer Botswana Fire Program – NSW Rural Fire Service) and Assistant Regional Director State-wide School Performance – Special Schools (QLD). He is a long-serving member of the NSW Secondary Principals Council and the NSW Primary Principals’ Association.
Matthew is currently the substantive Lead Principal of Newcastle School, a community of special schools in Newcastle NSW, which caters for students with disabilities and complex needs across three campuses.