Lead Administrator / Vice Principal

Dr. Adicia Cohen Johnson  (Dr. CJ) has dedicated more than 25 years to the field of education, with a career defined by a passion for developing young people, empowering educators, and building strong school and community partnerships. She began her career in the School District of Philadelphia before joining the Cheltenham School District, where she has served for the past 23 years. Beginning as a fifth-grade teacher at Elkins Park School, she currently serves as Vice Principal at Cedarbrook Middle School.

Throughout her career, Dr. CJ has created innovative programs that foster community, belonging, leadership, and student voice. She partnered with the school counselor to start the district's first food pantry that was open to the community, often driving to deliver groceries to community members in need.  She founded the CBK Connections Mentoring Program, which brings together school board members, central office administrators, teachers, paraprofessionals, school nurses, and other staff members to serve as mentors for Cedarbrook scholars. Through weekly meetings held throughout the school year, mentors provide students with encouragement, guidance, accountability, and meaningful relationships that support both their academic and personal growth.

Seven years ago, alongside her Cedarbrook colleagues, Dr. CJ co-founded the Hip Hop Social Justice Club, providing students with a platform to explore issues of equity and social justice through research, performance, music, spoken word, and creative expression. The group's annual performances became a signature event within the Cheltenham community, was taken on the road to schools in Philadelphia, and culminated in educational experiences in New York City, demonstrating the power of student voice to inspire meaningful dialogue and social change.

Beyond the K–12 setting, she has served as an adjunct instructor in the education departments at La Salle University, Arcadia University, and Temple University, helping prepare future educators. She has also written curriculum for the National Constitution Center and most recently served as Executive Director of Horizons at Greene Street Friends, where she expanded educational opportunities for students through high-quality summer learning and community partnerships.

A proud resident of Cheltenham Township for the past 28 years, she is deeply invested in the success of the community's children and families and believes that every child deserves access to outstanding educational opportunities.

She is also the co-founder of More Than a Game, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that provides free tutoring, mentoring, leadership development, financial literacy, and enrichment programming for children throughout the greater Philadelphia region. Through this work, she continues to create opportunities that extend learning beyond the classroom while strengthening connections among schools, families, and the community.

Whether leading schools, mentoring students, teaching aspiring educators, or collaborating with community partners, Dr. CJ's work is grounded in one enduring belief: when schools and communities work together, every child can thrive. She remains committed to building partnerships with local organizations and businesses to expand opportunities, remove barriers, and ensure that every scholar has the support they need to reach their fullest potential.