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Patton Furman
Patton Furman
00:45

Patton Furman

Magic City Acceptance Academy

Birmingham, AL USA

"When you find people who are passionate about something, then they’re not going to get burned out because there is a goal and that goal is valuable."

Career Roadmap

Patton's work combines: Education, Entrepreneurship, and Teaching / Mentoring

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Day In The Life

Superintendent & Principal

I lead an inclusive school that supports marginalized students, prioritizing mental health and building community.

03:12

Day In The Life Of A Superintendent And School Principal

My Day to Day

My days are about creating a safe, inclusive space where students thrive. I oversee everything from academics to mental health initiatives, ensuring our school is a haven for marginalized students. Whether coordinating with our three social workers, academic counselor, and therapist or addressing student needs like clothing or meals, I focus on removing barriers to learning. My work is about fostering growth and building a community where every child feels valued and supported.

Skills & Education

Here's the path I took:

  • High School

  • Graduate Degree

    French Education

    University of Alabama at Birmingham

  • Graduate Degree

    Educational Leadership

    University of Alabama at Birmingham

  • Doctorate

    Educational Leadership

    University of Alabama at Birmingham

Learn more about different paths to this career

Life & Career Milestones

My path in life has been direct

  • 1.

    I earned my master’s degree in French education from the University of Alabama at Birmingham.

  • 2.

    After graduating, I moved to France for a year, where I taught in several elementary and middle schools.

  • 3.

    Returning to the U.S., I earned a graduate degree in educational leadership and continued my teaching career as a French teacher at Oak Mountain High School in Birmingham, Alabama.

  • 4.

    Transitioning into leadership, I became the assistant principal at Oak Mountain High.

  • 5.

    I then became the principal of the Shelby County Schools Alternative Programs, where I focused on incorporating self-awareness and mindfulness into programs to help students succeed.

  • 6.

    I moved into a district position in 2019, working as the student services supervisor to support the district’s 22,000 students.

  • 7.

    Inspired by the stories of youth at Birmingham AIDS Outreach, we decided there was a need for a school where every student feels seen, valued, and affirmed.

  • 8.

    I’m now serving as principal of Magic City Acceptance Academy, where I’m helping to create a learning environment that values identity and builds a community where every child can thrive.

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