Addison Principal Micah Smothers retiring
ADDISON, Ala. – Addison High School Principal Micah Smothers has known one career in his life: education. After 34 years as a teacher, coach and principal at three different schools, Smothers is retiring. His last official day is June 30, 2025.
I sat down with Smothers in his office to talk about his career and outlook on education.
Cullman Tribune: How did you find your way into the education field?
Micah Smothers: My two older brothers, Stan and Steve, were both in education and coaches. I actually didn’t originally plan on teaching; I went to school for two years majoring in business. I started thinking that my brothers got their summers off and I loved sports and kids so I was determined to go the education route. I changed my major and ended up with a physical education degree.
CT: Where all have you taught?
MS: My first job was at Austin High School in Decatur for the 1990-1991 school year. Proration hit and I was out of teaching for the 1991-1992 school year, so I worked at my father-in-law’s furniture store that year. I then took a job at Meek High School and worked there until 2001. I really enjoyed my time working there and the main reason I left was because Addison had an opening and I wanted to come back home. I started at Addison in 2002 and became principal in 2010. The last 15 years have been challenging and rewarding. I would like to thank my predecessor, Principal Bo Bolzle. Mr. Bolzle prepped me well for the job and I appreciate it. I was actually the first Addison High School graduate that became principal at the school.
CT: What has been the most fulfilling thing or event that has occurred during your education career?
MS: I get the most satisfaction with my relationships with the students. They start in the high school building here at Addison in the seventh grade, and to see the kids grow from children to young adults is so satisfying. I really liked getting to know them personally instead of just as students – talking to them about life and to just be there as a sounding board for them if they need someone to talk to.
CT: What is the biggest regret you’ve had in your career?
MS: I don’t have any; I mean none. I try and be a positive person and be a positive example to the kids under my watch. I love my job and I really have never worked a day in my life because I love my job so much. I try and not worry about things I can’t control and just do the best that I can for my students and teachers.
CT: If you had the power to be king for a day and could change anything about education, what would it be?
MS: I want every student to know that they matter, that they are important and they are not just some number to me. I would want the kids to be full of confidence and know that they can accomplish anything they want if they work hard enough.
CT: What are your plans for the future?
MS: I just want to do what the good lord wants me to do. He will lead me to where he wants me to be. I have family and my farm to keep me busy. Also got a grandbaby coming in August, so excited about that.
CT: Do you think the education career field has gotten harder or easier since you started?
MS: If I was coaching or teaching it would be harder. I feel kids now don’t grasp the concept that you have to learn things. What I mean by that is that all the information you could possibly need is at their fingertips. It’s in their phones and their laptops. We used to read books and you would have to actually learn the information. I just want what is best for them and society today relies way too much on technology. My job as principal really hasn’t changed in a major way in the 15 years I’ve had it.
CT: Have you seen a change in students since you started?
MS: Other than what we have previously spoken about, I think that students are a little more self-centered than they used to be. It’s not all of them, but some seem to care more about themselves and they are not really worried about their classmates. It is definitely more prevalent.
CT: Do you recommend education as a career choice for young people in the future?
MS: Absolutely! You’re not going to get rich, but you can make a decent living doing it. I believe that education can be a fulfilling career for anyone who has a servant’s mentality and a love of people.
CT: Did you enjoy teaching or coaching best?
MS: There are good parts to both. I have really enjoyed being both a coach and principal/teaching. Again, I always try and make the best of each and every situation. I believe God put me in each position to make a difference in people’s lives and I have tried to do that.
CT: Final question: what’s something that happened that you will always remember?
MS: Too many things to list but first is being able to be the principal when my kids went to school here. I don’t think they enjoyed it as much as their mother (English teacher Sherry Smothers) and I did. Also, having Addison High School achieve both athletically and educationally during my tenure. We have had success in all sports, winning numerous titles in volleyball and being very competitive in all other sports. One of our crowning achievements was being named a two-time Blue Ribbon School of Excellence. It was nice to be publicly recognized on something that I felt like we very much deserved.
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