Horton mentors, bolsters teachers as Liberty’s instructional partner

Courtney Horton works as instructional partner at Liberty Middle School. (CONTRIBUTED)

MADISON – Courtney J. Horton is serving as instructional partner at Liberty Middle School.

After serving on instructional committees at Discovery Middle School, Horton wanted “to coach teachers with instructional strategies and growth. I also knew this position would push and challenge me within my own learning comfort zone, which it has.”

Instructional coaches are “cheerleaders, counselors, teachers, friends, reference points, and, most importantly, partners in learning,” Horton said. She helps in planning and facilitating professional development and collaborative days for teachers.

After attending training, she shares the knowledge with her colleagues. She also desegregates data from STAR and SuccessMaker programs, along with mentoring new teachers.

The biggest challenge in day-to-day work “is making sure I’m there and present for anyone who needs me,” Horton said. “I always worry that someone who needs help isn’t receiving what they need.”

She relishes that each school day is different, new and exciting. “I can honestly say I’m consistently and constantly learning with everyone in my building and beyond. It’s amazing,” Horton said.

Horton earned a bachelor’s degree at the University of Georgia in middle school education and a master’s degree in school counseling at the University of West Alabama. She previously taught seventh-graders at Discovery.

Her husband Bill works as a sales representative with Victaulic Corporation. Their children are Carson, 4, and Meg, 2.

Horton’s hobbies include reading, writing, cooking and traveling. “I’ve lived in Madison for over eight years,” she said. “My husband is from Madison, so I moved here to be with him.”

Horton replaced Carmen Buchanan, who was an assistant principal at Liberty and now is an assistant principal at James Clemens High School.