About
Mark Johnston
STEM Educator / Speaker
Mr. Johnston's educational and professional journey is diverse and multifaceted. He holds a Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences degree in Christian Studies from Howard Payne University, El Paso, TX, where he graduated summa cum laude with a GPA of 3.95 in December 2013. Currently, he is enrolled in the MBA program at the same institution, with an expected completion date in 2024.
His experience spans various industries, including serving as a Licensed Stock Broker for optionsXpress (acquired by Charles Schwab) from 2006 to 2011. He has also worked in corporate training and enlisted in the Air Force following the events of 9/11, receiving an honorable discharge as a disabled veteran in 2006.
Mr. Johnston has an extensive background in teaching and training, with Texas Standard Teaching Certifications in Technology Education (6-12), Technology Applications (EC-12), Special Education (EC-12), Business and Finance (6–12), General Education (4-8). He is well-versed in various subjects and grade levels, including Engineering and Robotics, Math, and Science. Additionally, he has completed professional training through Project Lead The Way (PLTW) in Automation and Robotics, Design and Modeling, Medical Detectives, and Green Architecture.
Throughout his career, Mr. Johnston has presented at numerous professional development conferences, including ISTE Live, YISD Teach Conference, VEX Robotics Coach Training, PLTW Master Teacher, PLTW SUMMIT, and Teachers Networking Technology & Content. These presentations have covered topics such as utilizing virtual robotics for distance learners, using flipgrid to encourage student voice, and assisting English Language Learners.
From 2016 to 2017, Mr. Johnston taught at UT Tyler University Academy in Palastine, TX, where he was chosen for his extensive technology experience and trained in Project Based Learning (PBL). Following this, he taught STEM and Science at Bel Air Middle School in El Paso, TX from 2017 to 2021. During his tenure, he increased course enrollment by approximately 160%, hosted Robotics Tournaments, and implemented new courses such as "Medical Detectives" and "Green Architecture." He also helped establish a partnership with a feeder high school, resulting in their T-STEM Academy designation.
In 2021, Mr. Johnston joined Hanks High School as an Engineering and Robotics teacher and VEX Robotics Competition (VRC) coach. He successfully recruited and filled four competitive robotics teams, two of which qualified for regional competition and VEX Worlds in 2022. He also acquired $25,000 worth of new Robotics Equipment and implemented a new curriculum with the VEX EXP system.
Mr. Johnston served as the Director of Robotics at Greenville ISD from 2022 until February 2023, when he resigned due to family circumstances. He then relocated to El Paso and accepted a position as a Business Teacher at Hornedo Middle School, starting in March 2023.
In addition to his professional experience, Mr. Johnston is a YouTube Creator with over 4,000 subscribers and a quarter-million views. He is also an admin for a Facebook VEXCODE page, which connects over 1,500 educators interested in learning more about VEXcode.