Over the past 23 years, Dr. David Church’s job as a teacher and school administrator brought him to Cobb, led him around the world, and brought him back home again to Cobb. The veteran international educator is bringing his experience and leadership to Simpson Middle School as the school’s new principal.
Beyond his experience as a middle school educator, Dr. Church is also a middle school parent, so he understands the importance of this developmental stage and the challenges parents and students face.
“Under my leadership, the Simpson Middle School community can expect open communication and transparency,” Dr. Church said. “I believe a school should be a welcoming place where the entire community has a stake in developing our children, and it’s all of our responsibility to ensure the best outcomes for our students. I believe that teachers are the talent, and it’s my job to support them by providing the tools, respect, and space to carry out their job as professionals.”
In this new principal profile, learn where Dr. Church’s educational career has taken him, why he is excited to join the Simpson community, and what his favorite pastimes are outside of school.
Question: How long have you served in Cobb Schools?
Answer: “My first job out of college was at Griffin Middle School in Cobb County. I left Georgia the next year to work in South Korea and Thailand at international schools as a teacher and then administrator. I returned to CCSD in 2013 as a teacher and coach at Sprayberry High School. Next year will be my 12th year back in Cobb County, and I don’t plan on leaving!”
Question: Why are you excited about joining the Simpson Middle School community?
Answer: “Simpson Middle School has a reputation for academic excellence and community support. The Simpson Middle School vision statement, ‘Educational Excellence for All,’ aligns with my core values and belief that all students are capable of achieving at high levels. I’m very impressed with the high level of engagement from the community, including the active PTSA and the Simpson Foundation, which not only support student activities and events but also support teaching and learning through teacher grants and purchasing materials. I am excited to be ‘all-in’ for this community and support the vision of ‘Excellence for All.’”
Question: What does student success look like to you?
Answer: “Student success goes beyond academic excellence, although that is certainly a critical aspect. In our middle school context, it also means creating an environment where students have space to be themselves and grow into high-school-ready young adults. The school plays a role in helping students explore their passions and develop critical thinking skills. This happens by ensuring every student is seen, heard, and valued within our community. Ultimately, I believe the criteria for success is different for every student and family, and students should leave school with every option available for them to choose their own path.”
Question: What do you like most about being a school administrator?
Answer: “Being a school administrator is the best of both worlds in education. I get to lead the decision-making process, analyze student data and progress, and evaluate the effectiveness of programs and initiatives. But I’m also in classrooms, engaging with students and teachers and present in the community. It’s a perfect balance of big-picture organization and planning along with real interactions with the students and families we serve every day that make this job so rewarding.”
Question: Outside school, where might students, parents, or staff members run into you?
Answer: “My middle school daughter and elementary son are both very active and keep us busy most weeknights. When we do have some downtime, we enjoy spending time outside as a family or taking short trips to visit new places.”
