Keith Broughton

Many call him the "math master" from his years of teaching advance level math classes at Knox Central High School. Today, he applies those skills to analyzing student assessment data at Jesse D. Lay to help all students succeed.

Keith Broughton is in his 5th year as principal at Lay Elementary. His goal for this year is to ensure all students and staff have a safe and healthy work environment. That we eliminate all barriers and ensure all students have access to quality instruction.

In his own words, learn more about the "math master", who inspired him along the way, and his leadership beyond the school walls.

Prior to becoming a Principal I taught at Knox Central High School. While there I taught Duel Credit College Algebra and Trigonometry, AP Calculus AB and BC, and Algebra II.

My advice to teachers looking to become a Principal is to be a part of as many committees and teams as possible. Learn as many technical aspects of school administration, such as Finance, RTI, Scheduling, and Data Analysis, so that you don't feel overwhelmed when beginning. Don't be afraid to ask for help or delegate tasks. Being able to manage those aspects will give you more time to focus on what is going on in the classroom and being present in the classrooms is where you will have the most impact on student achievement.

I would tell students that are entering the profession that teaching is not for everyone. It is a job that has many demands both Mentally and Physically, but is also the most rewarding. Being able to help students be successful will make all the hard work and stress of the job worth it.

The most enjoyable part of being a Principal is being able to build relationships with everyone in the building. The students, teachers, cooks, custodians and instructional assistants all have their own unique circumstances. Being a Principal allows you to have an influence on each of them.

Tim Melton and Mike Baker were two teachers/administrators that have influenced me both as a teacher and Principal. They both taught me math and helped build my love for the subject. It was because of them and their teaching methods that I chose to be a Math Teacher. Tim was also my Principal while I worked at Knox Central. He knew I had aspirations to become a Principal so he would give me more leadership responsibilities to help prepare me for the role. I admired his work ethic and values the most. I try to model my practice after him.

I am also a Captain in the Kentucky National Guard. In the Army, I serve as an Engineer Officer where I help design and build Bridges, Roads, and Vertical Structures. I have served for 12 years and plan to retire from the National Guard. I also enjoy lifting weights and running when I am not at work. My favorite hobby is Bass Fishing.