LEADERSHIP SPOTLIGHT: CHRIS CHAMBERS

Mr Chris Chambers, our 7th grade vice principal is originally from Hopkinsville, Kentucky He attended Christian County High School When he was in middle school, he already had this vision of being part of education someday Mr Chambers was passionate about physical education and becoming a basketball coach. Thus, on a basketball scholarship, he first attended Southeast Missouri State and eventually finished college at Cumberland University in Lebanon, TN While in college, Mr Chambers went to different places, and one of these memorable places was Turkey He was able to visit 17 cities!

Mr Chambers earned his master’s degree from Lipscomb University After college, he obtained a position at LaVergne Middle School as a PE teacher and head coach of the boys’ basketball team which was his actual vision of himself when he was still young We are very blessed to have him here at Oakland Middle School as one of our leaders

When asked about his leadership style, Mr Chambers described it as being relational He shared with us, “I learned in college the importance of building those relationships with my professors The relationships I was able to build with my professors molded me into what I wanted to be which I was able to do once I got into public education. And I continue to do that with our students, with teachers, and with the community so it was just about building relationships ”

His athletic career in college definitely plays a significant role in his leadership style Mr Chambers discussed how being a good team member and working together can lead to success He divulged, “In order for you to be a successful team, you must work together It started when I played Junior Pro, which was literally basketball starting at the age of five So, for me, it was just always being part of a team and knowing how important it was to be a part of a team and knowing that everybody played a part I don't look at myself as just the leader or one of the leaders of the school, but I look at myself as a teammate. And that's the way I will always view leadership, just being a part of a team.”

Aside from his athletic career in college, his former professor in college named Paul Pick provides inspiration as to the kind of leader he has become Mr Chambers’ former professor always emphasized the value of building relationships Of course, Mr Chambers’ dad is also one of his leadership mentors “My dad of course was one who didn't play any sports thing or didn't go off to college or anything to play any sports, but he was just the way he led our family,” Mr Chambers related

Being a relationship builder is not only one of Mr Chambers’ outstanding characteristics as a school leader He is also an authentic leader He walks the talk and tries his best to be a good role model to both teachers and students “I try to make sure that I am the same way every day Just being consistent,” Mr Chambers revealed

Interview by Amari Swader