Get to know: Belinda Treadwell

How long have you been in education? 

I graduated from Auburn University in 1973 in secondary education and found out in a hurry that it was not the appropriate setting for me. I went back to school and got my master’s in early childhood education. 

I spent several years in the Birmingham School District and private schools. After staying home for several years, I worked for my church as the weekday education director and director of preschool and the children’s program while working on my administrative certification. 

In 1987, I returned to public education. I worked as a classroom teacher, at-risk teacher, and central office administrator until coming to Mountain Brook Elementary as the lead teacher/assistant principal in 1998. 

I have been the principal at MBE for 11 years. In all my experiences, I consider myself to be a teacher first. I love the opportunity to watch children grow and learn.

Tell us a little about your family.

My faith and family are most important to me. My husband and I have been married for over 40 years. We have two children, five grandchildren and two dogs. Life is interesting! 

This year MBE has launched the program “Leader in Me.” Can you tell us a little about the program?

We identified this approach as a way for us to grow leadership in all stakeholders. The approach focuses on teaching and modeling seven leadership habits so we can develop children as leaders. These leadership habits for schools/children are based on the work of Stephen Covey, the author of The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People. 

What makes this program so unique?

Growing student leaders is the heart of this program. In the meantime, we are growing teachers, parents and the community. By teaching and living the habits, we are making a personal commitment to our children and learning culture. During our site visits last year, we saw the impact of this approach on children, school personnel and parents.

What do you love most about working in the Mountain Brook schools?

There are so many things that I love about this district. I appreciate the commitment to provide the best learning environment for every child in every school. When you read the district’s purpose statement, you have the assurance that we are committed to the purpose each and every day, in everything we do. The emphasis on professional learning was a big reason I wanted to be part of this outstanding district. 

In your spare time, what do you enjoy doing?

I enjoy spending time with my grandchildren. I travel to the beach whenever possible.