Hello,
I'm Dr. Brad Newton, Principal at Decatur Middle School. I want to take a moment to introduce myself.
I'm in my 16th year as an educator and second year as a principal at DMS. I hold a Bachelor of Science degree from Alabama A&M University, a Master's in Ed.S, and a Doctorate in Instructional Leadership from the University of Alabama.
I am proud to serve in this important role. I look forward to a prosperous school year.
What do you love about your job?
I love working with kids. I love seeing them grow throughout the school year. I also enjoy watching students participate in sports and extracurricular activities. I see them in a different environment and excel in things they are good at while using their talents.
What personality traits do you contribute to your success?
I think it's being personable, spending time with people, and getting to know people. I'm an introvert, so it takes me a little time, but I think once I've developed relationships with people, they are strong relationships.
What is one thing most people don't know about you?
I play guitar. I don't get enough time to practice, but I can play a few songs.
What best advice motivated you to become an educator/principal?
I don't know that it was any one piece of advice. It's just more people I respected who worked in education. My in-laws were both educators, and several teachers I had at my school positively influenced me. My high school principal, Elton Hall, his saying is now our motto, "Be in the right place, at the right time, doing the right thing." That's had a lot of impact on me and how I view schools operate.
What is one character trait you hope to instill in your students, and why?
Integrity. I think it's critical in school and life, whatever the case - to do what you are supposed to do because it's the right thing. If you do that, you will stay out of trouble, be successful, and that's our hope for all children.
What would it have been if you could have chosen a job outside of education?
I went into civil engineering to become a surveyor. I love the outdoors, hard work, and sweat, but what stopped me was I found out that even after I finished my degree, I would have to do an internship for five or six years. So I decided to go in a different direction and pursue education. I'm where I am supposed to be.