Administration

Principal Jessica Gillespie-Johnson

Dr. Jessica Gillespie-Johnson is a highly respected veteran educator with more than two decades of experience in public education.

Dr. Gillespie-Johnson holds a Bachelor of Arts from Wake Forest University and a Master’s in School Administration from Western Carolina University and earned an Educational Leadership Doctorate at Western Carolina University.

Most recently, Dr. Gillespie-Johnson served as principal of Thomas Jefferson Middle School in Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools, where she held administrative roles for six years. During her tenure, she played a key role in improving the school’s performance grade from a “C” to a “B” in a single academic year—reflecting her strong commitment to instructional excellence and collaborative school improvement.

Her appointment marks a meaningful homecoming to Dare County. Earlier in her career, Dr. Gillespie-Johnson taught science at Manteo Middle School from 2010 to 2017 and has maintained deep ties to the Outer Banks community ever since.

As a school leader, Dr. Gillespie-Johnson is known for her commitment to equity, culturally responsive teaching, high expectations, and inclusive learning environments. She values strong relationships with students, families, faculty, and staff and believes collaboration is essential to student success.

As principal of Manteo High School, Dr. Gillespie-Johnson is dedicated to fostering academic achievement, strengthening community partnerships, and ensuring all students have access to enriching extracurricular opportunities. She looks forward to reconnecting with former colleagues and building new relationships as she leads the school community forward.

Assistant Principal Juan Castillo 

Mr. Juan David Castillo brings to Manteo High School over two decades of educational experience, with 14 of those years in school leadership. Mr. Castillo has served as a principal and assistant principal at elementary, middle, and high school levels across eastern North Carolina.

Originally from Medellín, Colombia, and raised in West Palm Beach, Florida, Mr. Castillo started his career as an elementary art teacher in Palm Beach County, Florida. He then began his North Carolina educational journey in 2004 in Pitt County, where he taught high school art and coached soccer for six years before moving into administration. He has held leadership positions in Greene, Pitt, Pasquotank, and Camden Counties.

He earned his Bachelor of Fine Arts from Florida Atlantic University, a Master of Arts in Teaching from Grand Canyon University, and a Master of School Administration from East Carolina University. He is currently pursuing his Ph.D. in Educational Psychology at Old Dominion University. Mr. Castillo holds multiple certifications, including NC Principal/Supervisor, K–12 Art, and K–12 Spanish licensure.

He is fluent in Spanish and has consistently served as a vital bridge for communication and relationship-building with diverse school communities. Mr. Castillo is passionate about fostering student success, building strong relationships with families and staff, and creating school environments where all students feel seen, supported, and inspired.

Outside of school, Mr. Castillo enjoys traveling, trying new foods, and spending time with his wife, Shannon, and their two daughters, Annalisse and Genevieve. He is also a proud dog dad to Penny and Charly.