Name: Cameron Buck
School: Kent Career Tech Center
What and where was your previous job? Curriculum Associate and Instructional Technology Specialist at Careerline Tech Center/Ottawa Area ISD.
How long had you been there? July 1 marked the start of my 10th year at Ottawa Area ISD.
Degrees: Associate’s degree from Kellogg Community College in Battle Creek, bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education, and master’s degree in Educational Technology from Western Michigan University. Also, I am just finishing the Path to Leadership program through Michigan Association of Secondary School Principals to earn my K-12 administration certification.
Other positions you have held in education (title, school, district, state): seventh grade science teacher at Springport Middle School in Jackson county, about 10 miles north of Albion.
How about jobs outside education? Automotive assembly line, fork truck driver, foundry worker, tree service, Gander Mountain, Goodyear Racing, home medical equipment and the list goes on. I’m fortunate to have experienced so many things before starting my career in education.
First priorities as assistant principal here? Build relationships with staff and students to ensure a safe and welcoming environment.
What are you most looking forward to as assistant principal here? I believe in what career and technical education can do for students. I look forward to sharing in the success of our students as they find their niche.
What kind of kid were you at the age of students at this new school? I loved high school, mostly because I was so social. I was a member of the ski club and played baseball and football all four years.
Spouse/children? My wife, Kristen, works in the quality improvement department for Spectrum Health. Our “child” is a 7-year-old golden retriever named Aspen.
Hobbies/Interests? I enjoy almost all outdoor activities. I love to salmon fish on Lake Michigan and deer hunt. I spend the majority of my free time on the lake or at the hunting property located in Free Soil, which is between Ludington and Manistee. My wife and I also enjoying traveling, especially to the Caribbean.
What inspires you, both in your educational role and in your own life? I’m very grateful to my parents for teaching me to be a hard worker and do my best. I believe complacency leads to extinction and I always strive to be my best in whatever I do.
What makes you laugh?Aspen, our golden retriever, provides endless entertainment for us. He’s got a very unique personality and always does something that makes us laugh.
What would people be surprised to learn about you? I’ve raced go-karts against Kevin Harvick and Tony Stewart (NASCAR drivers).
Is there a non-professional book you recommend? I’m an article reader. If you spend much time around me, you’ll often hear me say, “I just read an article that says…”
