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JULIE BROWN-PRINCIPAL

Principal:  Julie Brown
Secretary:  Barb Eddy

 “The dream begins, most of the time, with a teacher who believes in you, who tugs and pushes and leads you on to the next plateau, sometimes poking you with a sharp stick called truth.”  --Dan Rather

 This is what brought me to the educational field.  Being a typical, awkward seventh grader, one teacher’s ability to see my potential and believe in me opened up opportunities I never would have pursed without his encouragement.  Appreciating the teachers I had and knowing how important they have been in my success, I knew I needed to be in the educational field, opening up doors and unlocking the potential of students. 

 After graduating from Elk Rapids High School in 1987, I earned my Bachelor of Arts Degree in English and mathematics from Adrian College.  My first teaching assignment was with Ravenna Junior/Senior High School.  While teaching, I also coached basketball and softball and was advisor of Odyssey of the Mind teams.  In 1995, I moved to Flint and began teaching at Carman-Ainsworth Junior High.  My years in the classroom were excellent experiences.  I formed close bonds and was giving back to the educational system.  However, I developed a need to help students who were not assigned to my classroom

 After completing my Masters Degree in Educational Leadership from Eastern Michigan University, I became assistant principal at Carman-Ainsworth High School.  Administration appeals to me because of the wider range of influence I have.  I can be in the halls, classrooms, and with parents of all students of all ages.  I work with all teachers, regardless of content areas, and learn every facet of the educational environment.  Administration seems to better fit my initial goal of giving back to students what was given to me so long ago.  After four years as a high school administrator, I longed to be back with middle school students.

 Coming to Linden Middle School satisfies the need in me to work with students that are at a critical age.  These students are struggling to be grown up and make their own decisions.  However, in the next minute, they may declare, “But I’m only a kid,” in an attempt to avoid consequences.  Middle students need encouragement and to feel included, but they also need clear boundaries.  The middle school provides these students with a safe, structured atmosphere for a smooth transition from elementary student to high school freshman.  I am looking forward to working with Linden’s middle school students to reach high academic standards while watching them reach their potential!

LINDEN COMMUNITY SCHOOLS