I am Matthew Lindsey and I am entering my second year as Principal at Fayette Elementary School. I have worked 18 years in the Fayette County school system. I began my career as physical eduction teacher, then became assistant principal, lastly becoming principal. It is my privilege to serve our town and our children. We have a great faculty and staff whom are dedicated to their work and the education of our kids. We invite you to reach out to us with any questions or conerns you may have about your child or thier education. Again, thank you for the opportunity to serve your child. 

This is my first year at FES and I am so excited to be here! As far back as I can remember, I have always wanted to be in education. In fact, I used to line my dolls up in my tree house to “have class.” I graduated from The University of Alabama with Class B certification and a double major in English and Secondary Education in 2006. Next, I received Class A certification with my Master of Arts in Teaching from The University of West Alabama in 2009. Not long after the birth of my daughter, Elizabeth, I received Class AA certification with my Ed.S. in Teacher Leadership from The University of West Alabama in May of 2015. I completed my Ed.D. at The University of West Alabama in May 2021 and I received my Class A Instructional Leadership Certificate from The University of West Alabama's Master of Education program in May 2022. 

I have been an educator for 19 years. At FMS, I taught 7^th Grade English from 2007-2013 and 8^th Grade English from 2013-2024. I was voted Teacher of the Year by my colleagues at FMS in 2009, 2013, 2020, and 2021. I was selected as the Fayette County Secondary Teacher of the Year in 2020. In addition to serving as grade level chair and Lead Teacher at FMS, I also worked with local school and district personnel on school improvement, parent involvement, and accreditation.

I hope to have a positive impact on the teachers and students of FES for years to come. But when I am not at work, I enjoy every second with my daughter, who is my greatest achievement. I love to read novels and write various things of my own, such as stories and poems. I like to spend time outdoors hunting and fishing with my family or in the kitchen preparing homemade meals for family gatherings. 

I believe that learning is a lifelong journey... and I still believe I have a lot to learn! As Loretta Lynn once said, "You've got to continue to grow, or you're just like last night's cornbread - stale and dry."