Cooper Academy Families,

Please allow me to introduce myself. My name is Jamie Stoke and I’m proud to be starting my sixth year as principal at Cooper Academy in 2024-2025.  My wife of 27 years teaches in the Exceptional Children's Department in JPCS. We have two wonderful children.  I received my undergraduate degree in Psychology from James Madison University in Virginia. I went on to obtain a Master's Degree in School Counseling and a Master’s Degree in School Administration from North Carolina State University.  

Over the past 25 years in Johnston County Public Schools, I have worked with students in a variety of school settings. I served in the role of School Counselor and Assistant Principal at East Clayton Elementary School during the first nine years of my career in education. When Powhatan Elementary School in Clayton first opened the school in 2008, I served as the Assistant Principal for the first two years the school was open. I served as the Principal at Wilson’s Mills Elementary for five years and Principal at McGee's Crossroads Elementary for two years.  Prior to coming to Cooper Academy, I served as the Principal at Riverwood Middle School. 

During my time in Johnston County Public Schools, our stakeholders have worked extremely hard to demonstrate significant growth as school communities. We will continue to build on having a growth mindset while establishing supportive relationships with the students, staff, and families this year at Cooper Academy. Teachers, students, families, and community members will work together for the benefit of student growth and development. 

I’m excited about continuing to build on what we've started at Cooper Academy and looking forward to another terrific school year!  Thank you in advance for your support and commitment to our school community!

jamiestoke@johnston.k12.nc.us

I am extremely excited to continue working with the Cooper Academy family again in 2024-2025.  It is an awesome place to work with students, teachers and families every day.  At the center of my educational belief system is the feeling that all children can learn and achieve academic growth with support.  I feel that we must bring enthusiasm and love for what we do in education to school with us on a daily basis.  Our children deserve it.

During my career, I have been fortunate to have the ability to work across a myriad of different levels. I have been able to serve in multiple capacities, which has allowed me to work with students and teachers throughout the K-12 levels. I am a graduate of UNC-Chapel Hill and began my teaching career as a high school English teacher and coaching football and baseball. I received my Master’s Degree in School Administration from North Carolina State University and have had the opportunity to work with both middle and elementary schools as both a principal and assistant principal in Chatham and Johnston County. I have also recently completed my doctoral studies at Gardner-Webb University where I took an in depth look at the impact of professional development efforts on standards-based grading.

Outside of school, I enjoy spending time with my wife Kristen and the children. I love running and have finished a few half marathons and one full marathon to the detriment of my knees. We also love spending time outdoors and exploring the scenery of our state. Thank you and I look forward to seeing everyone at Cooper Academy!

Dr. Leonhardt, Assistant Principal

braytonleonhardt@johnston.k12.nc.us