A New Beginning: 5 Questions With CES Principal Christy Christian

MOUNTAIN BROOK, AL — Mountain Brook City Schools have a proud tradition, one that includes awards, accolades and recognition among some of the best schools in the country. And Crestline Elementary School has always been one of the schools listed among the best of the best. This month, the school started a new chapter in its long and prestigious history, as it welcomed a new principal in Christy Christian.

Christian, who takes over for the retired Laurie King, becomes just the fourth principal at the school since the early 1970s when Joyce McCollum was hired as principal. Since then, the school has undergone several changes - and not just the exponential growth in student numbers. It has seen the school go from a 1-7 grade school to a K-6; survived an arsonist's fire that destroyed the library and a significant part of the school; and it has seen its square footage practically triple in size. But through the remodeling, the additions, new playgrounds and more, the school has maintained the same goal: to be one of the best in the country.

Christian knows this goal well, and Patch was able to catch up with her amidst her busy schedule to get some insight into how she got here, and how she hopes to maintain the excellence that has been a tradition at Crestline.

Tell a little about your education background. What brought you to this point?

I was born to teach and I knew that was my path from day one! I never aspired to be anything other than a teacher. I loved learning and had such a passion for sharing that learning. Whether that be dolls on the bed, my little sister, or my friends. I was born to "add to the body of knowledge" was how I looked at it.

I started my career as a second grade teacher at Chelsea Elementary and later became a second grade teacher at Brookwood Forest Elementary. Then I sort of grew up from there. I eventually became a literacy coach and assistant principal in that same school. I never dreamed I’d be here as principal! Opportunities just presented themselves and I became a better educator because of the phenomenal educators and students in my life!

As far as school, I graduated from Alabama School of Fine Arts. I received a BA from Converse College, Masters of Science & Education Specialist from Samford University.

What do you see as the biggest challenge facing elementary schools today?

Inequity among schools. We are fortunate to be able to provide our students and teachers with the resources/training they need to provide a quality education. Unfortunately, we have schools nationwide where students and teachers do not receive the same quality of care. It’s disheartening.

What are you most looking forward to in this new position?

Getting started! I can already tell it’s going to be a great journey learning and growing with an entirely NEW school family. I feel like I know so many members of the Crestline community a little since we collaborate so often as a school district among schools. Now, it will be on a deeper level.

What is the best career advice you have ever received?

Dr. Persall at Samford University said a phrase I’ll never forget the first day of my doctoral class. He said, “None of us are as smart as ALL of us.” We don’t have to compete to be the best. It’s the power of the collective ONE. I’ve learned that if you have the right people in place pursuing the same goals you can do just about anything! It’s no different in a school.

What are some things you hope to accomplish while at Crestline?

First – Learn my way around the school.

Second – I want students, staff, and parents to have a streamline view of what it means to be Cougar Strong in school, in life, forever!