Meet Tim Long, Newtown Middle School's New Head Principal

While the school year drew to a close, one man was gearing up for the year ahead.  Former Newtown Middle School Assistant Principal Tim Long officially took over as principal on July 1.

Long, whose roots were established in Montgomery County, began his educational career after graduating from West Chester University with a bachelor's degree in education.  Upon graduation, he migrated out west to teach in Wyoming for several years. 

After receiving a Master's degree in special education from Montana State University, Long spent several years back in Pennsylvania as a special education teacher.  After marrying his wife Shannon, Long moved to Arizona where he received a master's degree in educational supervision.  While in Phoenix, he began his career in educational leadership as an assistant principal.

Upon returning to Pennsylvania with his wife and two young children in 2006, Long was thrilled with the opportunity to be the assistant principal of Newtown Middle School.  

Working under former Newtown Middle School Principal Rich Hollahan, Long said he feels prepared for his new role.  "I learned so much from Mr. Hollahan. He led by example and is an open-minded and fair leader, who is personable and accessible and willing to make tough calls." 

Long's goal is to continue the Newtown Middle School tradition of excellence while maintaining its traditions and culture.  Eager to make his mark as a new principal, however, Long also notes that there is always room for improvement. 

In keeping with that notion, Long changed the existing middle school team system.  Names of teams, as well as teacher assignments, were changed for the 2011-2012 school year. 

One of his top priorities for the 2011-2012 school year is to collaborate with the new teams and assist them in establishing themselves.  Some other priorities for the new year include fostering an atmosphere of partnership among staff, students and parents, ensuring problem solving is conducted from the perspective of what is in the best interest of the child, and being an accessible principal who is both compassionate and professional. 

New also to the Newtown Middle School administration is former Holland Middle School assistant principal Terry Kluck.  Long said he feels very fortunate to work with a seasoned professional like Kluck. 

"If I had the opportunity to hand pick my assistant principal, I would pick Terry -- I am incredibly lucky to work with her," Long said.

Long said he's excited for what the fall will bring.  "I am looking forward to the school year and I want everyone to know that my door is always open," he said.

To help us get to know Long even better, we asked for help from a group of Newtown Middle School students, who assisted in developing a list of questions for the new head principal.

The questions are in bold, and are followed by Long's answers.

What characteristics best describe you as an administrator?

Collaborative, acts from the perspective of the best interest of the child, and level-headed.

What does the ideal classroom look like?

(There is a) high level of teacher student interactions.  I want to see students actively involved in the subject matter, I want to see a goal of the day on the board and know that the teacher has given a GPS to the students to ensure they know how to reach the goal of the day. 

What do you expect to spend most of your day doing when the school year begins?

In a perfect world, I would like to conduct walk throughs in the classrooms and pass through the halls and engage with the students throughout the day. 

What do you do in your free time?

I enjoy spending time with my family.  I coach my son's baseball team.  We also like to go camping and to the beach.  I also spend my free time working out. 

Who was your hero growing up?

My father

What was your favorite subject in middle school?

My favorite subjects were math and wood shop.

Did you play sports as a youth?

Yes, I played baseball when I was younger.  I was a catcher, but I had to stop because of an arm injury.  Then I moved to football throughout high school. 

What was the last book you read?

"The Art and Science of Teaching: A Comprehensive Framework for Effective Instruction," by Robert Marzano

What is your favorite type of book to read?

Real-life inspirational books

Who is your favorite author?

Mitch Albom

What type of music do you listen to?

I like country music. Right now Kenny Chesney is my favorite.

Do you have a favorite television show?

I don't have much time to watch television, but I do like to watch "Man vs. Wild" and "Celebrity Apprentice."