Adair native and Macomb High graduate Megan Pittman continues to move onward and upward.
A swimmer and softball player at MHS, she also swam collegiately at Truman State University and the University of Massachusetts. Now, Pittman is ready to navigate the waters as new high school/middle school principal and athletic director at West Prairie.
She was approved for the dual roles by the West Prairie District 103 Board of Education in its April 24 meeting.
Pittman graduated from MHS in 2000 and swam at Truman State in 2001-02 and UMass in 2003-04.
From there she attended law school at the University of Missouri, focusing on sports law, graduating in 2007.
She served as a swim coach for a number of years before moving back to the area several years ago. It was at that point she decided enter into the education field.
She taught one year at Hamilton before returning to Macomb High, where she taught English.
Last year, she headed to Galesburg, serving as assistant principal at Galesburg Junior/Senior High, while also serving as the junior high athletic director.
“The opportunity to work with coaches, work with student-athletes, work with parents and community members to really build up Cyclone nation is something I’m looking forward to,” said Pittman.
“I’m really excited for the opportunity to engage in some structural leadership.”
Pittman knows the dual role of principal/AD may seem unique, but she knows she is just a piece in the team puzzle at West Prairie.
“It’s a little bit untraditional,” she said of the dual roles. “But that’s something that I talked to both (Paula) Markey, the superintendent about, as well as the school board.”
“It’s something that plays really dear to my heart, and something that is very much in my wheelhouse,” Pittman added.
Joining Pittman will be Brittany Thompson, who will serve as assistant principal.
“Brittany has a skill set that is much different than mine,” said Pittman. “She’s got a special education background. She’s got a math and science background.”
“We are able to look at both of our roles and separate based on what are strengths are,” she added. “I really think that that’s going to help settle us in this school year and transition us into a successful future.”
“It’s a breakdown of roles and assigned responsibilities that all of us are comfortable with,” Pittman continued. “It’s what we each wanted in this situation.”
Pittman is looking forward to making connections and getting more familiar with the West Prairie surroundings “to really grow the members of West Prairie community.”
“I’m really excited to get to know families, stakeholders and business owners in this area,” Pittman said. “As a Macomb person, as a former Bomber, I feel this side of the county is one where I want to expand my knowledge, my connections and my reach.”
Serving a number of rural communities, Pittman knows the value of schools such as West Prairie.
“I really think that rural schools serve a vitally important role these days,” she said. “I want to make sure to provide that sort of education in those opportunities to the students in this community.”
Though a McDonough County resident for a number of years, Pittman is looking forward to meeting people in the West Prairie district.
“I’m new. People don’t know me,” she said. “People are used to someone they know. I encourage people to come up and introduce themselves. I’m going to be at all the events. I’m going to get out there and show my face to the community.”
“Just not knowing everyone is one of the hardest things,” she added. “I’m used to knowing a lot of people around me. I’m looking forward to getting to know a lot of people around here.”
As far as the athetic director duties go, last year’s work at Galesburg gave her the confidence to step into this dual role at West Prairie.
“I learned a great deal from my experience in Galesburg. I worked with some great educators,” said Pittman. “I think that really set me up to feel really confident heading into this position.”
She noted her time at Galesburg alowed her to get exposure to different sides of the administrative role rather than just a teacher role.
And her time as AD allowed here to build connections in that role.
“My philosophy in terms of being an athletic director and student-athletes in junior high and high school sports is I think that every athletics program needs to be student-athlete centered, coach driven and administratively supported,” said Pittman.
“My question for every coach is ‘How can I help?’” she added. “‘What do you need from me and how can I help?’ I want them to drive what they want best for their program. And I want to support them in every capacity.”
“If we do that, then we’re centering in on the student-athlete experience.”
Pittman noted a concern for athletic teams can be facilities, or a need thereof.
“We could really use a new football field and a new track,” she said.
Pittman stated that she has talked with Southeastern High athletic director Cyle Rigg about the situation surrounding the football facilities and how they can best serve student-athletes. Included in those talks were how they counld bring the community in to be part of the football games and experiences.
Southestern and West Prairie are entering their fifth season as a cooperative program for football.
“We’d love to be able to showcase that more and improve facilities,” she said.
In the meantime, Pittman is planning on meeting with coaches, teachers and activity sponsors to “get to know the other grown-ups that I’m going to be working with.”
Pittman noted her year at Galesburg included a lot of time in student discipline and student conduct.
“I didn’t go into education to just solely focus on that,” she said. “I believe that I have a lot to offer as far as an educator. I’m really looking forward to it.”
“When I saw this, I realized I could be an instructural leader,” she added. “I could help coach teachers and coaches and that’s something I’m more driven by than monitoring the halls.”
She also looks forward to working in a smaller district.
“Forming stronger relationships with a smaller number of students is something I’m looking forward to,” Pittman said. “When there are fewer kids, you can really get to know them better. Understand what motivates them, what drives them and what they need from you.”
