Michael Graham

Teaching and learning are my passions. After a failed attempt at pharmacy school, I finished a chemistry degree from Arkansas State University in 2006. Lost and not knowing what to do or how to get a job, my aunt provided an opportunity. She is the principal of Harrisburg Middle School and she was in need of an 8th grade mathematics teacher. After a scarce applicant pool had been eliminated by the hiring committee, she thought of me. She tried to persuade me to interview for the job, I respectfully declined. As the deadline approached for me to start the Arkansas Non-Traditional License Program for teachers, she asked again. Although the teaching profession was the family business, I wanted to avoid it at all cost. At the time I felt that money and prestige were more important than sacrifice and calling. With my mother a superintendent, aunt a principal, uncle a principal, uncle an athletic director/coach and yes... even my grandma was head lunch lady, I new what I was getting into. After my family convinced me, I agreed to the interview.... That turned out to be the best decision of my life. I belong at school. I absolutely believe that with proper guidance, love and support any child can exceed the expectations of adults. As Harrisburg Middle School progressively added technology equipment to the classrooms my interest in educational technology and school leadership grew exponentially. Later, I graduated with a Master's Degree of Educational Leadership from Arkansas State University. Although I no longer teach classes, I have not lost my passion for students. I currently serve as Harrisburg Middle School's Instructional Technologist. Instead of students, I teach teachers how to use the equipment and provide curricular support for technology. Life is challenging but with the right amount of enthusiasm overcoming a disaster like pharmacy school proved to be the best event in my life. It has lead me to my true calling... Education.