Barry Tignor visited the media concepts class on Wednesday for an interview. Tignor was the head basketball coach at South Side from 1981-1989.

Mr. Barry Tignor is one of six new teachers at Side South High School.

“I’m excited about being back and I’m enjoying the change,” Tignor said.

This isn’t Tignor’s first time on of the SSHS staff. He was the head boys basketball coach at South Side from 1981-1989 and a senior sponsor.

”I’ve been teaching for 38 years. I taught in private schools for 8 years and 30 years in public schools,” said Tignor.

Now Tignor teaches girl’s wellness and P.E. He has his masters in education and is certified to teach several courses.

“I’m certified to teach sociology, wellness, and I’m also certified to be an administrator such as a principal or an assistant principal,” Tignor said.

From the Hawk's nest to Cougar Country and Back

Tignor taught at Jackson Central Merry for 17 years and says he enjoyed his years there also.

”I can remember how JCM used to be when I first started teaching there, but over the years I had a lot of changes to get use to. JCM isn’t the same as it use to be,” Tignor said.

Tignor was asked about the dress code and what he thought about the changes.

“The uniforms are a great change and the students look very nice.”

Tignor is a proud husband, father, and grandfather; he’s been married for 38 years. He’s the father of one, and he has a 4 year old grandson. Tignor has a twin brother who is in the education field also.

Tignor is a deacon and choir member at Englewood Baptist Church.


- Article by Taylor Dickerson.

- Terry Taylor and D'Niya Beard contributed to this article.

Originally published August 14, 2009