Whit Thomas Joins Houston Middle School Leadership Team

For Whit Thomas, joining the leadership team at Houston Middle School feels a little like coming home.
A Memphis native who now lives in Germantown with his wife and two young children, Thomas has spent the past several years teaching U.S. History and coaching football at Germantown High School. This fall, he'll bring that experience, energy, and student-centered mindset to Houston Middle School as the school's newest assistant principal.

"I can't wait to be a part of these students' lives," Thomas said. "I want to help make sure Houston continues having high expectations, high growth, and high standards, not just academically, but in athletics, the arts, and everything students do both inside and outside the classroom."

Thomas joins Houston Middle after serving as a dual credit U.S. History teacher, department leader, and varsity football coach. His background also includes teaching and coaching in Texas, where he spent nearly a decade helping students succeed both in the classroom and on the field. Along the way, he earned a master's degree in instructional leadership from Union University and built a reputation for hard work, relationship building, and creating positive school cultures.
For Thomas, education has always been about making an impact.

"I wanted to get into education to help kids," he said. "Sometimes you know you're making a difference, and other times you don't realize it until years later. Those relationships and seeing students grow into successful adults are what make this work special."

As he prepares to step into school leadership, Thomas is particularly excited about working with middle school students as they begin discovering their interests and strengths.

"They're at an age where they're figuring out what they enjoy and where they belong," he said. "Whether that's athletics, the arts, academics, leadership, or other activities, I want students to know they don't have to fit into just one category. My goal is to help them explore opportunities, develop their talents, and become well-rounded young people."

Students, staff, and families can also expect to see Thomas throughout the building. He believes visibility, accessibility, and communication are essential parts of leadership.

"My door is always open," he said. "I want students, teachers, and parents to know they can come talk to me. If I don't have an answer, I'll help find one. Building relationships and communicating clearly are incredibly important to me."
Outside of school, Thomas enjoys spending time with his family, playing ice hockey, and cheering on his children in their activities. A former assistant captain of the University of Memphis hockey team, he still plays today and credits the sport with helping shape his leadership philosophy.

"Hard work beats talent every day of the week," Thomas said. "You can't fake preparation. You can't fake effort. That's something I've carried with me from hockey, coaching, and teaching."

Houston Middle School Principal ShaMira Davis said Thomas brings the passion, work ethic, and student focus that align perfectly with the school's mission.

As the 2026-27 school year approaches, Thomas is eager to get started, meet students and families, and become an active part of the Mustang community.

"I'm excited to get to know everyone," he said. "Houston Middle School already has a strong culture and tradition of excellence. I'm honored to be part of it and ready to get to work."