What Makes DCS Special
I’ve had the privilege of working in many amazing school districts, but there’s something different about Decatur. I noticed it almost immediately during my first DCS Institute in 2019 at Austin Junior High School.
I didn’t know a single soul. My role wasn’t tied to one specific school, so I was just trying to find a place to sit and blend in. But as I listened to staff from across the district greet one another, share stories, and speak so positively about their leaders, I felt something powerful—a sense of unity and optimism that I hadn’t experienced anywhere else.
That feeling hasn’t faded in my six years here. DCS is full of people who genuinely care about one another and share one common goal: “Let’s do what is best for our students.” There’s no hidden agenda—just a shared commitment to the success of every child.
How DCS Supports Teachers
Support here goes beyond competitive salaries and robust professional development. What truly stands out is leadership’s willingness to think outside the box. DCS isn’t afraid to challenge “the way things have always been done.” They are always looking for ways to improve learning outcomes and give teachers the tools and resources we need to succeed.
The Heart of the Decatur Community
The warmth of this community is undeniable. From my very first day crossing the bridge into Decatur, I felt like I belonged. Of all the places my husband’s career has taken us, I’ve never felt more included and connected than I do here.
If there’s one thing I wish everyone knew, it’s that Decatur is so much more than “one of those towns by Redstone Arsenal and Huntsville.” We have our own heartbeat, our own traditions, and, in my opinion, the best teachers in Alabama—dedicated to teaching the state’s most valuable resource: our children.