April Collins named Asheville Middle School’s next principal

Press release from Asheville City Schools: 

Following the June 1st meeting of the Asheville City Board of Education, April Collins has officially been named the new principal of Asheville Middle School.

Effective July 1st, Collins will begin her principal tenureship where she’s looking to “carry on the work of our Cougar Community.”

“Over the past three years, Principal Dockery and I have worked hard to put plans in place to transform Asheville Middle from more than just a school but a true community of Cougars,” said Collins. “I am eager to continue to work with the talented team of faculty and staff as we move forward to ensure that all of our students know they are loved, cared for and supported.”

Collins has been in education for 23 years.

She began her career as a middle school science and social studies teacher in Transylvania County before moving to Madison High School in 2000. For five years she was a 9th – 12th Grade science and social studies teacher. In 2005, Collins moved to North Buncombe Middle School where she was able to not only teach 7th and 8th graders but also support her students as the Track Coach, Washington D.C. Trip Organizer as well as the Yearbook Sponsor.

Collins received her first assistant principal position in 2011. For six years, she designed and implemented Erwin Middle School’s school-wide PBIS program as well as oversaw 7th and 8th Grade curriculum. She was also the school’s Director of Buses, Testing, Safety and Student Health.

She began her tenure in Asheville City Schools as an Asheville Middle School assistant principal in 2017. Since joining the Cougar Family, Collins has overseen 6th, 7th and 8th Grade curriculum and discipline as well as served as her school’s Testing
Coordinator, Safety Officer and Director of Custodians. In August 2019, Collins was promoted to Asheville Middle School’s Dean of Curriculum and Instruction. In addition to her previous roles and responsibilities, she too began working closely with partners from the United Way of Asheville-Buncombe County to implement and develop Learning Circle for all AMS faculty and staff members.

“Since becoming a school-based administrator, my vision has been to promote my students and staff to become productive citizens in our ever-evolving society,” said Collins. “This can be achieved by nurturing a shared community that holds equity and achievement for all students as the cornerstone of its beliefs.”

It’s that skill set which Dr. Gene Freeman deemed “exactly [what] we need to continue to move Asheville Middle School forward.”

Collins earned a Bachelors of Science in Middle Grades Education from Appalachian State University as well as her master’s degree in School Administration from Western Carolina University. She has also earned an Educational Specialist Degree from East Carolina University and holds certification from the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards, the most respected professional certification available in K-12 education.

When asked what she’s most looking forward to about her new position, Collins immediately responded “having the chance to continue to build on the legacy of Cougar Pride.”

When Collins is not cheering on the Cougars or fully engrossed in her principal duties, she enjoys running, traveling – she’s been to six of the seven continents – and spending time with her family. April is married to Chris Collins, and together they have four children. Mia is 20; Addi is 16; Canaan is 15, and Cade is 5.