Meet the New Admins at SHS!
Welcome to Sparkman!
Chris Shaw, Principal
Mr. Shaw attended Homewood High School near Birmingham and graduated from the University of North Alabama, where he was a captain of the UNA Lions football team that was the national runner-up in 1985.
His first teaching job was at Guntersville High School before moving the southern Alabama. He went to Washington County High School in 1991, where he was head football and basketball coach and a social studies teacher. In 1994, he moved to Fairhope High School, where he chaired the social studies department, was head tennis coach and defensive coordinator for football. Prior to Northview, Shaw was principal at 1,600-student Spain Park High School in Hoover from 2010 to 2012.
Shaw came to Spain Park after spending five years at 2,400-student Lassiter High School in Marietta, Ga. The Georgia PTSA named him Principal of the Year in 2008 and Newsweek magazine named Lassiter among the top 2 percent in America. Prior to that, Shaw was an assistant principal at 2,800-student North Cobb High School in Kennesaw, Ga, for four years.
Jennifer Gray, Assistant Principal
I attended the University of North Alabama for both my Bachelor of Science and Masters. My BS degree is in Professional Biology and Chemistry. My Masters degrees are in Biological Education and Educational Leadership. For additional course work in the sciences, I have also attended the University of Alabama at Birmingham and the University of South Alabama and the University of Alabama in Birmingham.
Experience
I am starting my 20 year in Education. The majority of my career has been in the area of administration in schools ranging in size from 2A to 6A. Although I loved being an administrator, I missed the one-to-one interaction with students, so I returned to the classroom setting in 2013 until accepting the position of assistant principal at Sparkman.
Bio
Although I have spent the last 20 years in Alabama, I am originally from Iuka, Mississippi. I am married to Tim Gray, and we have one child, Taylor! I am a high school graduate of Iuka High School and am an alumni of the University of North Alabama.
My educational experience started in the classroom as a science teacher at Bradshaw High School in Florence, Alabama. During my time in the classroom, I taught Advanced Biology, Standard Biology, Advanced Physical Science, Standard Physical Science, and Anatomy. I also assisted with AP Biology. While with Florence City Schools, I also served as assistant principal at Bradshaw High School and assistant principal and co-principal at Florence High School. After leaving Florence, I served as principal and athletic director at Deshler High School for five years and two years, respectively, before accepting an administrative position with Colbert County Schools.
After much thought and prayer, I made the decision to return to the classroom in 2013 to teach Biology, Advanced Biology and Genetics at East Limestone High School. Although I truly enjoy the classroom, I could not resist returning to administration. I am so excited to now be a part of the Sparkman High School family, and I look forward to meeting and getting to know the students and parents/guardians throughout this school year!
Jason Watts, Assistant Principal
Education
I earned my Bachelor’s Degree in Secondary Education Mathematics from the university of Alabama in 2000. I also attended Samford University where I earned a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership in 2008. Three years later in 2011, I earned my Ed.S from The University of Alabama at Birmingham in Educational Leadership.
Experience
I began my teaching career in Homewood City Schools, where I taught math and In-School Suspension for 13 years. While teaching, I also coached football, wrestling, track & field, and baseball. In 2013 I decided to leave the classroom and take my first job in School Leadership with Jefferson County Schools at Bragg Middle School in Gardendale, Al.
Personal
This Fall, I will be entering my 16th year in education. I am excited about the opportunities and experiences that await at Sparkman High School.
I am married to Shannon Worthington Watts. We have two wonderful children Kendall (8) and McKlain (5).
When I am not working, I enjoy spending time with my family, serving in our church, reading and participating in and watching sports.
I am looking forward to this school year and the opportunity to lead at Sparkman High as we strive for excellence in all areas of academics, arts, and athletics.
Jonathon Barron, Assistant Principal
Shortly after getting married I entered the classroom as a science teacher and soccer coach in Tate County Mississippi. Over the course of the next few years I completed my Ed.S. from The University of Mississippi in Educational Leadership.
My wife and I moved to Decatur Alabama a few years ago to to be closer to family. Shortly after the move I began Samford University's doctoral program in Educational Leadership, which I will complete in December 2015. Prior to joining the Sparkman HS family I was a social studies teacher with Decatur City Schools and an Instructional Coach for the Morgan County Schools System.
My wife, who is also an educator, and I have been married for 10 years. We have three children, two boys and a newborn baby girl. I look forward to bringing my curriculum and content expertise to Sparkman and helping the Sparkman team to lead our students to becoming the best high school in Alabama.