Michael@avonumc.net
Michael Wilson was with the Birmingham City Schools from 1992 until his retirement in November of 2019. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas. Dr. Wilson completed his Master’s and Ed.S degrees in special education from The University of Alabama, Birmingham, as well as an Ed.S. in Educational Administration from the University of Montevallo. In 2003 he was awarded a Ph.D. in Instructional Leadership from the University of Alabama.
Dr. Wilson served as a special education teacher, assistant principal, and led two elementary schools within the Birmingham City School System. He first served as principal at Whatley Elementary and then as principal at Glen Iris Elementary which was under his leadership for 14 years. During his first year as principal at Whatley Elementary, his school was one of six schools across the state to move from Alert III status to Academic Clear. Whatley was converted successfully from a K-5 to a K-8 school in 2003. He also oversaw the first Kaboom playground construction in the district at Whatley Elementary and the last at Glen Iris. Dr. Wilson left Whatley in 2006 with 100% of their accountability goals reached.
Dr. Wilson worked tirelessly to ensure that the curriculum implemented is one that is rigorous and relevant in order to meet the diverse needs of the over 700 students at Glen Iris. He empowered teachers to utilize an integrated approach to learning thereby improving the achievement of all students. This is accomplished by having the literacy standards as the driving force across all curriculum areas. Another avenue he instituted in order to ensure continuous learning for teachers and students was a partnership with the UAB Curriculum and Instruction Department. This partnership provides strategic professional development for teachers during and after school. Under his supervision Glen Iris was awarded two prestigious academic achievement awards: Bronze winner of National Center for Urban Transformation and CLAS Banner School.
As principal of Glen Iris Elementary school Dr. Wilson experienced many accomplishments. He partnered with B.R.E.A.D (Birmingham Regional Empowerment and Development Center) and was awarded a 21st Century grant. Dr. Wilson also served as Alabama’s Ambassador for the Afterschool Alliance whose mission is to ensure that all children have access to affordable, quality afterschool programs.
Dr. Wilson’s dream of an outdoor classroom came to fruition through a partnership with Jones Valley Teaching Farm. It includes several plant habitats, a vegetable washing station, a pond with a variety of living creatures, and a seasonal farmer’s market, run by students, that supports our local community. Thanks to this partnership the Good School Food Program was created and has since been replicated at seven schools within the Birmingham City School district.
Dr. Wilson retired after successfully opening The Magic City Acceptance Academy, a charter school located in Homewood, Alabama.
Dr. Wilson has served on several advisory committees such as Partners in Education, Family Involvement, Hands on Birmingham, and Community Education South.
Associations and Honors
State President of Alabama Association of Elementary School Principals
Council for Leaders in Alabama Schools, Board of Directors
Chairperson for Alabama Council for Leadership Development
Alabama Education Association, Board of Directors
Birmingham Council of PTA, Principal of the Year
Birmingham Rotary, Principal of the Year
2019 Alabama National Distinguished Principal
Alabama Ambassador for Afterschool Alliance