Bill Whitehead

What is your current role and what are your primary responsibilities?

Spain Park High School History teacher and Freshman baseball coach

What skills from your time at SPHS have been most valuable to you?

My experience at Spain Park was amazing, and I learned so many things that I use everyday in my current role as a teacher and coach.  I had teachers who taught me what to do and others who taught me what not to do (Does anyone remember Mr. K?)  Most of all, I remember grilling a steak on a Webber grill in the courtyard with Travis Grote and Phillip Nola.  It was during our culinary class.  I think of all the things I learned at SP that may the be thing I learned that I use the most today.

How did your career path evolve?

I always thought I wanted to get into education, but I did not major in that during my time at Samford University.  It took me getting a business degree and then a few years working before I decided my calling was teaching and coaching.  From that point forward I went to school at night while working and raising a family until I earned my Masters degree in secondary education.  I always wanted to end up at SP, but my first job was actually at Homewood Middle.  Bill Cleveland who was the Homewood superintendent at the time called me up and offered it to me when he found out I had just gotten certified.  The following year, Spain Park called and I had to take it.  It is always where I wanted to be.   

Who was your favorite teacher and why (and which class did they teach)?

Bill Cleveland was my favorite adult in the building.  He was an AP, but he taught me things every time I was with him.  I also loved Coach Dunn.  He was my baseball coach for 3 years and then for the next four while I played in college at Samford University.  Having said that, I got a B in his class and I always thought I deserved an A.  

What extracurriculars did you participate in and how did that shape your time at SPHS?

Baseball was my extracurricular.  It took up virtually all of my time.  I formed a lot of friendships that shaped my time at Spain Park.  Although I do not see many of those guys I played with anymore, I am confident that if I did, we would pick up right where we left off.  Those were some great guys.  

What advice would you give students to maximize their high school experience?

Have more confidence.  Everyone is self conscious.  Walk in the building like you own the place and believe in yourself.  Regardless of what you are doing, belief in yourself is key to your success.  

What are you most proud of since graduating from SP?

My family.  Allison, my wife, who I met my senior year after she attended a baseball game I was playing in.  Thank you Lindsay Johnson Brown for introducing us.  We have three children.  Bailey (girl) 11, Callie (girl) 8, and Zeke (boy) 5.  They are by far the things in life I am most proud of.  

What are your favorite memories from your time at SPHS?

Mr. Broadway's "This ain't no redneck school" speech is definitely at the top of the list.  I would love to list others but I am headed to the baseball field now to get ready for practice.  

What did you love about being a student at SP?

The newness of the school.