Hello!

I recently sent a survey to all of you. I received a lot of them back and the information was very much appreciated. One thing that was mentioned in several of them was that they wished I would do one as well so you could know a little more about me. Well, here goes...

    Poplar Bluff 5th & 6th Staff Interest Inventory

2015-2016

Name:  Brad Owings

Grade Level/Position (2015-2016 School Year):  Principal

Phone Number (cell/home): (417) 274-2607

T-shirt size: XXL

Birthday:  December 25, 1971

Parent's Name and Address:  My mom lives south of town near Pollard, AR.

1.    Tell me about yourself (family, number/ages of children, hobbies, pets, etc.).

I was born and raised in central Missouri. I attended elementary school in Cairo, Missouri (near Moberly). My Mother and step father divorced and we moved to Eldon, Missouri (Lake of the Ozarks) where I attended high school. My wife, Holly, and I have been married since 1992 (23 years). She will be teaching fourth grade at O'Neal elementary next year. We have four children together. Our oldest daughter, Grace is 15 and likes to run cross country. Gabe is 13 and plays clarinet in the school band. Garrison is 6 and loves ninja turtles. And, Glori Mei is 3 and loves Minnie Mouse.

This is a picture of my family including my parents.

2.  Tell me about your teaching/work experience.  How long?  Where?  What grade levels?

I have a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Lincoln University and a master’s degree in education administration through William Woods. My doctorate degree is through the University of Missouri - Columbia. I taught 5th grade for seven years in Fordland, Missouri. We then moved to West Plains, Missouri where I taught computers for two years at the elementary level. I then moved to a position as an assistant principal of West Plains Middle School for three years. After that, I became the principal at West Plains Elementary for the next seven years. My most recent position was as an elementary principal in St. Joseph Missouri for the last 2 years.

3.  What do you like most about your job?  

I like getting to know people. I like interacting with teachers and students and building relationships. 

I am also interested in curriculum and technology and how to bridge the two.

4.  What do you like least about your job?  (Be honest! ;))

I am not a fan of conflict. Not so much because I have a fear of conflict, but more because I don't have time for the drama involved and don't see much point in getting worked up about not getting your way. So, I guess I don't like drama:)

5.  What motivates you?

Lots of things. My love language is "words of affirmation", so I really like to hear positive comments from others.

6.  What is something that you would absolutely not want to see change at Poplar Bluff 5th & 6th?

Undecided.

7.  What is one new idea that you would like to try at Poplar Bluff 5th & 6th?

Also, undecided.

8.  Name your favorite candy/candy bars.  (2 or 3 please)

Reese's Peanutbutter Cups, Kit Kat, Twix,

9.  Name your favorite beverage(s). 

Sweet Tea, Dr. Pepper, Pepsi,

10.  What is one thing you think I should know about being the principal at Poplar Bluff 5th & 6th?

I will change this one a little to, "One thing you should know about me being the principal at Poplar Bluff 5th and 6th." 

I will spend a lot of my time taking things in when I start this fall. I want to get a good feel for how things work before I make any big decisions, so I will rely heavily on you all to help me get my bearings. So, if it seems like I am taking a long time to make decisions, it's because I am. 

I am a fan of distributed leadership, meaning I like to include my leadership team in all decisions. We will discuss and disagree while we hash things out. Ultimately, I make the final call, but everyone has a voice. 

I am also a firm believer in servant leadership, meaning that it is my responsibility to serve you just like it is your responsibility to serve your students and their parents. My goal is to help you be successful and to give you all of the necessary tools to be the best at what you do.

11.  Is there anything else you think I should know or you would like to share?

I believe we are all put here to change lives. My favorite quote is "Be the change you wish to see in the world" -Ghandi