Retirement bell rings for Chambers
|
“It’s been a very rewarding experience, and I’m glad to have had it, but I’m ready to go,” he said.
Chambers began his career in 1972 as a science, health and physical education teacher at Centertown Elementary. After six years in the classroom, he made the move to administration becoming Centertown’s principal, a position he held for the next seven years.
In 1985, he was named principal of Northside Elementary School, remaining there for five years before serving respective two-year stints as principal of Dibrell Elementary and assistant principal at Warren County Junior High.
When the middle school opened in 1994, Chambers was named one of the school’s assistant principals, a job he has held ever since.
Asked to name the highlight of his career, he said it was difficult to name just one, but he settled on his years teaching. “I’ve really enjoyed my time in administration, but I don’t have the opportunity for the close contact with the children as I did in the classroom. I don’t know them as well as I’d like to,” he said.
In his role as an administrator he said he’s always tried to be fair when making judgments involving not just students, but teachers, staff and parents. And though it’s not always been easy, and he said he regrets some of his decisions, he said he hopes he’s been right more often than he’s been wrong.
Of the many aspects of his job, Chambers said the one he will miss the most will be his interaction with all of the high-quality teachers he’s had the pleasure to work with over the years. He said he will not miss, however, the minority of students and parents who have made his job difficult over the years.
“Ninety-five percent of students and parents are great. It’s the other 5 percent that keep me up at night. That I won’t miss,” he said.
It was evident, though, Chambers will be missed by those who work with him.
“I’ve been fortunate to work with Byron in various capacities for the past 30 years, the past 12 of which have been on a daily basis,” said WCMS principal Donna Trevathan. “His thoughtful, low-keyed strength has brought great stability to our middle school environment. He’s a super team player and will be missed by everyone from students to all teachers and staff.”
As for what the future holds, Chambers said he intentionally hasn’t made any big plans, other than to spend more time hunting, fishing and woodworking. “And I’m sure (my wife) Carol has plenty of projects planned for me,” he said.
He added, “I don’t intend to sit on the porch and rock. I’m ready to move on and do a few more things. I probably won’t seek a second career, but I may find some type of work to supplement my income. I will certainly have plenty to do.”