Words by Anna Lee Vaughn | Images by Ryan McGill
Walker County native Amie White recently accepted the inaugural Assistant Principal position at T.R. Simmons Elementary School. She is thrilled to work alongside Principal Meagan Fields and the school’s many other education professionals.
Amie’s love for education began at a young age. “All through school, I enjoyed learning. I always wanted to learn new things and be involved in extracurricular activities,” says Amie. “I had such a great experience with all my teachers that I knew I wanted to be one very early on. I never considered not being a teacher.”
Amie began her college education at Bevill State Community College and completed her bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Elementary Education at the University of Alabama. She began teaching at Midfield Elementary School outside of Birmingham while pursuing a master’s degree at the University of Montevallo.
After five years away, Amie jumped at the chance to return home to Walker County. She served at Cordova Elementary School under the leadership of principals Mike Scott and Dianne Williams for fifteen years, first as a classroom instructor and then as a Reading Specialist. Both administrators encouraged Amie to pursue a certification in Administrative Leadership, which she completed at Samford University.
Upon reaching her 15-year mark at Cordova Elementary, Amie had the opportunity to return to her childhood school, Parrish Elementary/Middle School, and serve as its Reading Specialist. During her initial interview, the school’s principal, Dr. Thomas Kyzer, recognized Amie’s administrative certification and appointed her as designated Assistant Principal. At the same time, he mentored her to accept a full-time administrative role. Amie credits him as “the best mentor I could have asked for to guide me in a leadership role.”
Amie and her husband of 15 years, Andy, currently reside in Jasper with their two-year-old son, Anderson. Amie says Andy was her biggest supporter when she decided to further her education in administrative leadership and take the next step in her career. When T.R. Simmons Elementary School presented Amie with this latest opportunity, she knew it was the right time to step into full-time work in administration.
“T.R. Simmons is such a happy place, and I’m looking forward to working with great coworkers and under great leadership,” says Amie. “I’m so thankful for this opportunity. I look forward to building relationships and helping our little Vikes grow and thrive!” WL
