NEWBERRY — Katrina Singletary is currently known as the principal of Newberry High School, but starting today, she will be the director of middle and secondary education for the Newberry County School District.
Singletary will be replacing Dr. Lynn Cary, who is now the assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction, after Dr. Cynthia Downs retired.
“I was named to this new position, and I feel like this is the job I have been working toward,” Singletary said. “This is definitely the next step for me, since I will be working with the middle schools, high schools and career center.”
Singletary started off in life in St. George to Pete and Mary Dell Singletary. In 1991 she graduated from St. George High School. After graduating from high school she went on to attend the College of Charleston (CofC) from 1991-95. While at CofC she earned her degree in English with a concentration in communications.
“After I graduated I went straight into the workforce. I first worked for an attorney’s office in Charleston. Then I ended up in Columbia at Green tree Financial,” Singletary said. “After a few years I hated my job, because I knew I wanted to stay in South Carolina, so I got a job to survive, but I was not fulfilled.”
Before becoming an English major Singletary was an elementary education major. She said that while attending college she was pulled into a different direction, and changed her major.
“Growing up, my mom was an instructional assistant for 35 plus years. I grew up knowing education as important, I spent a lot of time in a classroom with her,” she said.
It was because of this that Singletary decided to go back to school, and finish her degree as an elementary education major. At this time Columbia College had a program called Go Back, which would have given her two bachelor’s degrees. However, during her talks with school officials, she learned that the State Department of Education was in desperate need of teachers.
“When the lady at Columbia College told me that, it felt like it was God’s plan. So I went though the Critical Need Program, now known as PACE. This allowed me to become a teacher,” Singletary said.
When she began the process of looking for a job in the education field, Singletary sent her application to multiple school districts.
“I remember getting a call from Mrs. Pam Arrington and after the interview they hired me. I was so grateful that they took a chance on me, because I did not have any experience,” she said. “So I feel like staying in Newberry is the way I can give back.”
Staying in Newberry is exactly what she did. Her first job was teaching English at Newberry High School (NHS) in 1999, during her time at NHS, she earned her master’s degree in divergent learning from Columbia College.
“This focuses on students who learn differently, it gives you strategies for all students and helps you reach all that you can,” Singletary said.
She then left NHS for Mid-Carolina High School where she taught English from 2004-2005. During the summer of 2005 everything changed for her, when she was pulled into administration.
“I was pulled into becoming the principal during summer school in 2005. I enjoyed being in charge of curriculum, students as far as behavior and teachers,” Singletary said. “That year I went to get my administrative certification through Clemson University.”
She then became the assistant principal at MCHS from 2005-2006. Singletary then had what she calls a wonderful opportunity, a chance to become the principal at Newberry Middle School. She stayed there until 2011, at which time she went back home and became principal at NHS. Singletary said that for her, leaving NHS is bitter sweet.
“I feel like I graduated with my students. I have been with my class from sixth to eighth grade,” she said. “I have always enjoyed being with students on a daily basis, just walking out with the students during lunch, you just get that energy. Now I will be working with more students.”
In her new role as director of middle and secondary education Singletary will have many new responsibilities. These include, being the textbook coordinator, working with professional development and being a resource for principals and teachers and observing classrooms and giving feedback when needed.
“After having some conversation, I am excited about my new role. This new role also gives me the opportunity to spend more time with my family,” Singletary said.
Now that she is in a new stage of her career, Singletary jokes that when it is time for her to retire, she will start an investigator firm.
“After years of discipline, I feel like I know when someone is telling the truth or not. A piece of me always liked investigations, it is the journalist in me,” she said.