Story and photos by Delaney Wells
The school bell rings loudly through the halls of Anderson Country High School and head Principal Chris Glass has been busy around the school all morning.
He greets every student and staff member with a smile, fist bump, or big hug.
“I do it for the students,” Glass said.
Glass has been the head principal at ACHS for 12 years and started off as a teacher. He is a graduate of the University of Kentucky with a B.A. and M.A. in education. But his career didn’t start out that way.
Glass originally entered college as an engineering major. A lover of math and problem solving, it was a career that would fit him perfectly.
But not as perfectly as teaching.
“I have just always loved working with kids and coaching,” Glass said about why he switched majors.
There is not a point throughout the school day that Glass is not working or physically walking around the school.
As he travels through the halls, he gets stopped by students and faculty who are drawn to his personality and want to tell them how their day is going and what is happening in their lives.
“Every day is different,” Glass said as he was occupied every minute of the day. Whether he is attending an assembly, observing a classroom, or dealing with a medical emergency.
Although the day can be filled with chaos, there are short quiet moments in each of them.
All that can be heard while he sits in his office is typing on his computer as he edits the weekly newsletter. But as soon as that is finished, it is time to walk the halls again to observe another teacher.
“It’s always like this,” Glass said, “and it does get exhausting.”
But through the exhaustion, he remains engaged with everyone he comes across. He asks the people around him genuine questions and connects with them on a personal level.
Teaching and guiding students is what he was meant to do. His career fits him perfectly and he is good at it.
Although the days are long and there is always an event to attend or problem to solve, it is clear that Glass loves what he does and cares for those around him.