MADISON – Ben Smith likes the prospect of building a strong foundation on academic and extracurricular accomplishments at Madison’s newest middle school, Journey. Madison Board of Education has hired him as Journey’s Assistant Principal and Athletic Director.

No newcomer to Madison City Schools, Smith’s 20-year career in education started at Bob Jones High School in 2005; he taught economics and served as assistant coach for freshman football.

He then taught U.S. history and economics at Hanceville (one year), Colbert County (nine years), Decatur (six years) and Huntsville (one year) high schools and coached various sports, including football, basketball, track and field, golf and softball.

“In my new position/role at Journey, I will not be coaching a sport for the first time in 20 years. However, I am still connected to sports through my new roles as Assistant Principal and Athletic Director,” Smith said.

In his teaching philosophy, Smith believes “that, if I want to get the most out of my students, I must show them I truly care for them . . . not only in the classroom but also in their daily lives outside of the school. If they know you genuinely care for their well-being, then I believe you can truly make a long-lasting impact in their lives.”

One main reason that he accepted this job is “the strong leadership that MCS has at the board of education. I have worked under Dr. Ed Nichols before, and I enjoyed every day I walked into the school under his leadership.”

In addition, Smith coached ninth-grade football at Bob Jones with now MCS Assistant Superintendent Eric Terrell. “I know what an outstanding leader he is, as well. When they both told me that Dr. Treva Stewart at Journey is a great principal to work with, I didn’t even think twice about accepting this position,” Smith said. “I have an opportunity to create traditions that will impact countless members of the Journey community.”

A native of Morgan County, he is an alumnus of Hartselle High School. Smith graduated from Auburn University with a bachelor’s degree in secondary social science education. He holds a master’s degree in instructional leadership from the University of West Alabama.

“I love the outdoors, specifically fishing, hunting, golfing and grilling. My wife, Marly, is also an educator with 18 years of experience in Morgan County Schools,” Smith said.

Smith fills the vacancy caused by Gerald Franks’ retirement.