Josh Vaughn

Q: Tell me about your background.

A: “I was born in California in 1972 on the campus of the University of Stanford. My family moved to Tupelo in 1979. I started school at Tupelo in second grade and went there until I graduated. I eventually went into the United States Navy and did my service there. Then I became a truck driver. I eventually decided to finish my degree and now I am here at the great Ada High School.”

Q: How long have you been in education?

A: “I have been in education my whole life. I believe that God had this plan for me. Both of my parents were educators, so I grew up in a house where people always talked about education. I have a cousin that is a superintendent and other cousins that are special education teachers. It’s a family thing and my calling was to do it.”

Q: What would you say your job is?

A: “My number one thing is I want to have a safe place for students. I want students to have a place where they can speak their mind. A lot of kids never have the opportunity to speak their minds. I think that is most important.”

Q: What is your favorite part of your job and why?

A: “My favorite part of my job is just being with the students. The feeling of just talking and learning and having good times together. It’s just fun.”

Q: Why did you decide to come to Ada High and how do you feel about it so far?

A: “I like the vision that the administration has. During the interview, Mr. Anderson and Mr. Harwell both had a clear vision on how to make Ada as good of a school as they possibly can. They wanted to help with the culture, not because there is anything wrong with it, they just are trying to improve. And I really like the way the administration handles the teachers. They give us freedom to do things but they are also there for us. It’s great.”

Q: What’s your favorite animal and why?

A: “My favorite animal would have to be a chicken, because it is delicious.”

Q: Is this your last move in the school district or do you think you will go back to the junior high?

A: “I’m a team player, so if they say that they would need me at the junior high I would go. But if it were up to me, this is my last move.”

Q: What professional achievement are you most proud of?

A: “I would have to say getting my college degree… with out that nothing else I have done would have been possible.”

Q: Who do you admire the most and why?

A: “I admire my wife the most. She just does so much for our whole family. She is such a hard worker and such a kind person. She is just such an inspiration to me.”

Q: If you could have any super power in the world, what would it be?

A: “I think that I would like time travel. I would like the ability to fix things or at least think I fixed things.”