Troy Gray, Principal, AMS

Mention retirement and thoughts of taking it easy might come to mind. But retirement has a different meaning for Anderson Middle School Principal Troy Gray. We sat down with Mr. Gray to find out why he chose to come to Anderson Middle School after retiring from more than 30 years of education in Oklahoma. It's part of our Meet the Principals series as we find out more about the awesome people who lead our students in the McDonald County School District.

Q&A with Troy Gray

Tell us about your career in education. Where did you start? How long have you been in education?
This is my 31st year in education.  I graduated from Northeastern State University and then received my Master's Degree in Educational Leadership from Southern Nazarene University. Prior to coming to McDonald County, I spent 29 years in Oklahoma. My first teaching job was at Oaks-Mission School District teaching Social Studies, assisting in football, and I served as the head coach of the boy's basketball team. I spent the last 28 years of my Oklahoma tenure at Wyandotte Public Schools where I ultimately retired. While at Wyandotte, I was blessed to serve as a teacher, coach, athletic director, middle school principal, and for the last 12 years as Superintendent of Schools. This is my 2nd year at AMS.
 
What's the best thing about being a principal?
Connecting with and mentoring students. It is a blessing to be a part of students' lives and help them reach their full potential. My goal is to always have a positive impact. 
 
What is special about your school, Anderson Middle School?
We truly are a family at Anderson Middle School.  We have a fantastic staff that loves teaching kids.  I have been doing this for a long time, and this place is truly special. Our motto is “We are Better Together”.  At AMS those are not just words on a T-Shirt; they are who we are and what we believe.
 
When you think about helping kids learn and grow, what comes to mind?
Like all schools, we have students from different backgrounds. I love seeing our students mature, being respectful, mindful of others, and believing they are special and can achieve their dreams. 
 
What is your favorite memory so far about being Principal at Anderson Middle School?
Man, there are too many to zone in on one specific memory. Every day is new and exciting for me. There is no better feeling than making a child smile.  
 
We always think about teachers and principals teaching students, but what have you learned from the kids?
We all know this is a new generation engaged in social media. That said, kids are kids and they all want to please and be acknowledged. Our students have taught me to relax a little and enjoy the ride. They remind me every day how blessed I am and why I got into this profession.