Hi friends, I’m Kathryn Good, and today I had the absolute pleasure of sitting down with Dr. Scott Langford, Director of Schools for Sumner County. Dr. Langford is not just a leader in our school system; he’s someone deeply committed to the well-being of our community’s children. He’s a third-generation educator, and his education journey is both unique and inspiring. I can’t wait to share some of the wisdom and heart behind the work he does every day.
Education is a Calling
Dr. Langford’s path to education wasn’t straightforward, but it was meant to be. Growing up in a family of educators, he was steeped in school life from a young age. His father was a football coach and principal, and his mother was a teacher. Despite that upbringing, his parents actually discouraged him from following in their footsteps due to the challenges of the profession. He initially set his sights on a career in the military, attending West Point and majoring in Russian language and political science. But after a major back surgery changed his plans, life took a different turn.
That turn led him into education, a field that finally felt like home. After teaching in a diverse school in Atlanta, Dr. Langford realized that no matter where they come from, kids are kids, and parents everywhere just want the best for their children. That experience sparked his passion for teaching and serving students, and it’s been at the core of everything he’s done since.
From Teacher to Leader
Over the years, Dr. Langford has worn many hats—teacher, principal, school board commissioner, and now director of schools. His journey has taken him through a variety of roles, from teaching in a high-poverty school in Georgia to serving as a pastor in a small Georgia town, and eventually back to Sumner County, where he’s been leading our schools with vision and heart.
He’s also seen firsthand the challenges that come with balancing the academic needs of students with the realities of managing budgets, growth, and politics. “If you believe something is important, you have to budget for it and make time for it,” he shared. That’s been his guiding principle in ensuring that Sumner County students receive the resources and opportunities they need to succeed.
Managing Growth in Sumner County Schools
Sumner County is growing fast, and that growth brings both opportunities and challenges for our school system. Dr. Langford and his team have been working hard to plan for that growth, ensuring that new schools like the Liberty Creek Campus can accommodate the rising student population. One thing Dr. Langford is particularly proud of is how well the county has planned for the future. “We’re in good shape to manage growth,” he says, even as the county continues to expand.
But beyond the physical growth of the school system, Dr. Langford is also focused on the changing needs of students. He notes that the pandemic has significantly impacted student health—both physical and mental. Schools are seeing more students with chronic health conditions, as well as an increase in mental health challenges. “The needs of our students are increasing tremendously,” he told me, and supporting those needs requires both community involvement and innovative solutions within the schools.
Caring for Our Teachers
Dr. Langford is the first to admit that being a teacher today is hard. Teachers and principals carry an immense weight, and the pandemic only made that burden heavier. Yet, despite the challenges, Dr. Langford sees hope and positivity in the way educators are adapting. He believes that, as a community, we can do more to support our teachers by giving them the benefit of the doubt and engaging in meaningful conversations with them. He also spoke about the importance of creating more transparent communication between schools and parents, something his team is working on by simplifying things like kindergarten report cards to make them more understandable.
When I asked how we could better support our teachers, Dr. Langford didn’t hesitate. “Celebrate what’s going on in our schools,” he said. There’s so much good happening every day, from students creating prosthetic hands for classmates to third graders using multimedia to tell the history of Sumner County. These moments of success deserve to be highlighted and celebrated, not just by teachers and parents, but by the entire community.
Supporting Our Students in Need
One of the most moving parts of our conversation was when Dr. Langford spoke about the students in our county who are facing significant challenges—homelessness, hunger, and more. Schools are often the first place where these needs are identified, and Dr. Langford shared stories of how the community has come together to meet those needs, whether it’s helping a family get their car fixed or providing clothes and supplies for students who need them.
“Our schools are doing more than just teaching—they’re lifelines for so many kids,” he said. That’s why community partnerships are so important. Organizations like the Family Resource Center and others are crucial in making sure that no child falls through the cracks. And the schools are stepping up too, creating spaces where kids can access clothes, food, and other necessities in a way that maintains their dignity and self-esteem.
A Community That Gives Back
One of the most exciting initiatives Dr. Langford shared is Sumner Gives Back, a new program launching next year that will encourage students to serve the community. “Our students are missionally focused,” he said, and this program will help them find ways to give back, whether it’s building beds for families in need or using their skills to help others. It’s about teaching students that education is more than just academics—it’s about being a good citizen and making a positive impact wherever you are.
Wrapping It Up
It’s clear that Dr. Scott Langford is more than just an educator—he’s a leader who cares deeply about the students, teachers, and families of Sumner County. His vision for the future of our schools is rooted in community, service, and a belief that every child deserves the best opportunities possible. I’m so thankful for his leadership and for the amazing work being done in our schools every day.
If you take anything away from today’s conversation, I hope it’s this: Our schools need our support. Whether it’s through celebrating the good work happening in classrooms or lending a helping hand to a student in need, we all have a role to play in making sure Sumner County remains a place where children can thrive.