Johnny McDaniel, Director of Bradley County Schools, announced the selection of Buck Watson as Principal of Oak Grove Elementary School. Mr. Watson will assume the principal position at Oak Grove upon the retirement of Teddy Bryson. Director McDaniel explained that Mr. Watson was chosen from an applicant pool of 14 candidates after being interviewed by a committee of Bradley County Administrators.
“Mr. Watson was one of six outstanding candidates interviewed for the position,” said Mr. McDaniel. “We believe that he will be an outstanding principal. He has shown great leadership in his roles at Bradley Central and in the Aspiring Administrators Academy.”
Mr. Watson began his career in education in 1997 as a substitute teacher for Bradley County Schools. Upon completion of a Master’s degree in Education at the University of Tennessee – Knoxville in 1998, he accepted a position as a science teacher for Bradley County Schools at Trewhitt Junior High School. Mr. Watson continued his career with Bradley County Schools at Bradley Central High School completing 16 years of classroom instruction in the system. He completed the Educational Specialist Degree in Administration and Supervision at Lincoln Memorial University in August, 2000.
Mr. Watson has also served as head freshman football coach and assistant varsity football coach at Bradley Central. Mr. Watson has held leadership positions as a Component Chair on the School Improvement Plan, Grade Level Leader for Sophomore Academy and a member of the School Leadership Team.
“For me, a leadership role has always been something I was interested in,” Mr. Watson said. “My time at Bradley Central has increased my desire to serve in leadership in the education system.”
Mr. Watson was welcomed to the Bradley County Schools’ Administrative Team by Supervisor of Elementary Instruction Sheena Newman.
“He has a proven record as a successful classroom teacher and is loved by students in his biology, AP and Cambridge classes,” said Mrs. Newman. “He completed the Aspiring Administrator’s Academy for Bradley County Schools and has been actively involved in leadership at Bradley Central High School. His drive for excellence and passion for the field of education made him an excellent choice for Oak Grove Elementary School.”
“My mission as the instructional leader of Oak Grove is to be sensitive to the needs of the staff and the community but also to be professional enough to address areas in need of improvement,” said Mr. Watson. “I envision Oak Grove to be a school that continually uses data to drive our instruction. We will continue to provide a safe and friendly environment for the children that we serve. Mr. Bryson has laid a foundation based on doing what is in the best interest of kids. I hope to continue this philosophy in everything that we do at Oak Grove. My first order of business will be to begin the process of building relationships with the entire faculty and community."