4 minute read
Administrator Spotlight
Administrator Spotlight
Dr. Chris Nail, Superintendent, Beebe School District
“If you want people to respect and follow you, imagine they have a sign around their neck that says, ‘Make me feel important.’” - Lou Holtz
These are the words Dr. Chris Nail, Superintendent at Beebe School District, credits with being the best advice he has ever received. To that end, he strives to be viewed as “someone who cares,” and believes that the most important thing one must do to be successful in education is to keep the focus on people. “People make the difference, whether teachers or students,” he states. “You must be willing to work with people.”
Dr. Nail became interested in a career in education because of his “love for kids and wanting to see them succeed.” It's an interest that runs in the family – both of his parents are retired educators, and he's married to an educator as well. He started his education career at Fountain Hill teaching history and coaching basketball, and has since served in seven other districts throughout the state in schools big and small. “My jobs included classroom teacher, coach, assistant principal, high school principal, curriculum coordinator, and superintendent,“ he says. “I have enjoyed all of them and the different perspectives gained from each one.“
When it comes to his favorite thing about working in education, Dr. Nail says it's “seeing high school students walk across the stage to receive their diploma.” As to the most challenging aspect of his job, he has just one word: “COVID.” He lists the top three changes he has seen in education as: “1) The embedding of technology throughout everything we do, 2) Collaboration with parents is more necessary now than it ever has been, and 3) There is a much higher demand for accountability via student outcomes.”
Dr. Nail is most proud of how hard he and everyone in the Beebe school community have worked to build and maintain a positive atmosphere in their district, which is says shown not only through their interactions with each other but also through the decisions they make for academics, facilities, and everything in between. “It has been my goal to provide the best learning environment in the state for our students and staff,” he says, “and I feel confident that we have made great strides toward this in the past four years.” As to future goals, he hopes to continue making a difference in the field of education, and says that his district is committed to raising literacy scores. “We are working to help our students be successful readers, and I look forward to seeing the fruits of our labor.“
Q&A with Dr. Chris Nail
What might other administrators be surprised to know about you?
What is the most daring thing you’ve done?
What’s something that amazes you?
What do you enjoy doing during your time off?
What is one of the things on your “Bucket List?”
If you weren’t in your current position, what would you be doing?
What do you see as the biggest benefit of AAEA membership?
