Speas Elementary School

My name is Michael Riddick.  I am excited to begin the school year as Assistant Principal at Speas!  I believe that all children have the right to a quality education.  I also believe that children are naturally curious about their world, and can accomplish their goals and dreams with the right support.  At Speas, students are nurtured by caring adults who make these visions possible.  It’s why I couldn’t ask for a better place to BEE!  

I’ve always been a reader.  My love of books guided me to the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor, where I graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature.  My career in education began 17 years ago as an 8th grade language arts teacher and coach in Hillsborough County, FL.  In 2011, North Carolina became our home and I taught 8th grade reading and coached a championship basketball team in Guilford County.  A few years later, I taught 6th grade language arts at East Forsyth Middle here in Forsyth County. I’ve seen how the power of one good book can positively impact the life of a student.  In 2017, I attended the University of North Carolina-Greensboro as a NC Principal Fellow.  While in school, I worked at Speas in the role of Principal Intern and immediately fell in love with this school community.  “Why?”, you may ask.  Reason Number One is its diversity.  Did you know that Speas has staff representing over 20 countries from around the world?  What a great environment for a student to develop a global perspective!   Reason Number 2 is the commitment of our team to professionalism, support, care, character- education, and hard work showed me that Speas is a special place that strives for the achievement of each member of its community, The Hive. I graduated in 2019 with a Master of School Administration and served as Assistant Principal in Alamance County Schools and WSFCS before returning  to Speas in 2022.   

My favorite people are my family, especially my wife, daughter, and two sons. I also have 3 cats.  I enjoy reading good books, traveling, working out, listening to music, eating delicious food, and spending time with good friends.  As an educator, I’m committed to providing a safe, nurturing learning environment where all students can be the best versions of themselves.  Feel free to contact me or come by the school if you have any comments, questions, or concerns about your student.  We love working with our parents.   

Let’s have a great school year! 

Welcome to The Hive…Go BEES!

Michael Riddick

Assistant Principal

Speas Global Elementary School

2000 W. Polo Rd.

Winston Salem, NC 27106

(336) 703-4135 ext.78112

mriddick@wsfcs.k12.nc.us