Some educators have a knack for balancing a multitude of responsibilities with ease. Drew Johnson, a veteran of Salem Community High School, is one such individual who has spent the last 18 years mastering the art of wearing multiple hats — and doing so with humor, skill, and grace. As both the Metals Instructor and Performing Arts Advisor, Drew is known for his unique combination of hands-on technical expertise and a passion for the creative arts, which allows him to bridge the gap between seemingly unrelated fields with ease.

Born and raised in Salem, Drew’s connection to the district runs deep. As an alumnus, he always knew he’d return to his hometown to give back to the community that helped shape him. “I wrote a paper my junior year titled When I Grow Up, I’m Going to Have Jerry Nix’s Job,” Drew recalls, referencing his predecessor. Today, Drew sits in the very desk once occupied by Jerry Nix, embodying the idea of manifesting one’s destiny with perseverance and determination.

When he was first hired, Drew’s primary role was in vocational education — or what is now known as Career and Technical Education (CTE). His curriculum has evolved over the years to include an impressive array of subjects: manufacturing, welding, CNC machining, and drafting, to name just a few. “Controlled chaos,” is how Drew describes his typical day. From teaching Tech Physics and two different Drafting classes in dual credit, Drew is a veritable Swiss Army knife of knowledge and talent. His classes provide students with critical, real-world skills that can lead to careers right out of high school.

But Drew’s contributions to Salem Community High School don’t stop with vocational training. He’s also the head of the Performing Arts department, which he first got involved with in an unexpected way. A retired English teacher and drama director, Lisa Stephenson, tapped him to help with set design and electrical work for a school production. “I told her I was way too busy,” Drew laughs, “but she basically told me I was doing it.” Before he knew it, Drew was not only the technical director but had taken on the role of head director for school plays — a position he’s held for over a decade.

The parallels between Drew’s technical and artistic pursuits may seem improbable to some, but for Drew, it’s all connected. “I love the kids,” Drew says earnestly, whether they’re working a CNC machine or performing on stage. “You have these moments with kids where you see their confidence grow — it’s incredibly rewarding.”

Drew’s involvement in student life doesn’t end there. He’s also the driving force behind the school’s recycling program, which began modestly with just two recycling bags in the copy room and his own classroom. Today, that program has grown to handle up to 17 tons of recyclables annually and even includes an electronics drive that fills a semi-truck each year.

For Drew, teaching is about more than imparting technical knowledge — it’s about helping students think critically about their future and the legacy they’ll leave behind. He fondly recalls students running into him years later at local stores, not to talk about welding or physics, but to thank him for the life lessons they took from his classes. “If they remember that they’re the only ones who can control their actions, then I’ve done my job,” he says.

Drew’s dual roles — teacher of practical, career-focused skills and leader of creative, theatrical expression — make him a remarkable figure in the Salem School community. His ability to inspire students in both fields speaks to the range of his contributions and the depth of his commitment to their growth.

With a wit as sharp as the tools in his shop and a heart as big as the stage lights he works under, Drew Johnson continues to shape the lives of his students, one class, one performance, and one welded bead at a time.