Introducing Our ACMS Assistant Principal: Mr. Ben Knight
Alcorn Central Middle School is proud to introduce Mr. Ben Knight, our Assistant Principal, whose heart for service, relationships, and community is evident in everything he does. Coming from a family of educators, education has always been more than a profession for Mr. Knight—it has been a way of life.
A Calling Rooted in Service
Growing up surrounded by teachers and spending countless hours in school buildings, especially during summers, laid the foundation for Mr. Knight’s career in education. While becoming an administrator was never part of his original plan, his desire to support teachers and positively impact students on a broader scale naturally led him into educational leadership.
For Mr. Knight, the title itself holds little significance. What matters most is the opportunity to help—help teachers grow in their craft, help students navigate challenges, and help anyone who walks through the doors of ACMS.
Navigating the “Messy” Middle School Years
Middle school is often described as “messy,” and Mr. Knight embraces that reality. His vision for ACMS is to support both students and teachers as they navigate the ups and downs of these formative years. Guided by a servant leadership philosophy, he believes leadership is about listening, supporting, and stepping in wherever help is needed.
Building Relationships That Matter
Relationships are at the core of Mr. Knight’s approach. By getting to know students personally and understanding what motivates them, he helps support both academic and behavioral success. From high-fives in the hallway to sharing corny jokes, Mr. Knight believes that connection opens the door to trust and growth.
One of the accomplishments he values most is something simple but powerful—seeing students smile in the hallways. In a middle school, that speaks volumes.
Supporting Teachers and Strengthening Instruction
Mr. Knight supports teachers by being present, approachable, and willing to listen. He believes availability is key to helping teachers improve instruction and classroom culture. Programs like Capturing Kids’ Hearts play a vital role in building strong relationships between teachers and students, which directly impacts engagement and learning.
Collaboration is a strength at ACMS, and Mr. Knight credits the school’s small size and dedicated staff for making teamwork both natural and effective.
A School Community Like Family
Having worked in several schools throughout his career, Mr. Knight confidently shares that ACMS is the best place for both him and his family. The close-knit atmosphere creates a campus that feels more like a family than a workplace. Combined with a staff deeply committed to students and to one another, ACMS is truly a special place.
Fostering a positive and inclusive environment begins with simple actions—like smiling often—and continues through open, honest communication with families, even when conversations are difficult. Mr. Knight believes this transparency is essential for building trust.
The Heart Behind the Work
What Mr. Knight enjoys most about his work is the people. The ACMS staff operates like a family—one that may disagree at times but always shows up for one another. He also wants families and the community to know how deeply every adult in the building cares for students. Teachers, cafeteria workers, office staff, and custodians work tirelessly behind the scenes because they truly love the children they serve.
Outside of school, Mr. Knight enjoys backpacking and reading, especially when it involves a great book, a hot cup of coffee, and a campfire deep in the woods.
Looking Ahead
As the school year continues, Mr. Knight’s hope is for a safe and productive second term. Looking to the future, he recognizes that artificial intelligence is here to stay and believes educators must help students learn to interact with it ethically and responsibly as they prepare for the world beyond the classroom.
Alcorn Central Middle School is grateful for Mr. Ben Knight’s steady leadership, servant heart, and commitment to students, staff, and families. We are proud to have him as our Assistant Principal at ACMS.