Michael Tolley

Assistant Superintendent for Teaching & Learning

Michael Tolley has served as SPS’ high school director since 2007, and prior to coming to SPS was a principal and senior leader in the Charleston County School District in South Carolina. During his time as an interim Associate Superintendent in Charleston, he had direct supervision of 17 schools across all K-12 levels, including eight Title I schools. Tolley served for three and a half years as principal of Burke High School; and was assistant principal (three years) and principal (three years) of the Academic Magnet High School, both in Charleston. During his tenure, Newsweek twice ranked the Academic Magnet High School as the tenth best high school in the nation. Mr. Tolley began his education career teaching biology and marine biology for five years and also taught advanced placement biology and marine biology for 10 years. Tolley has a Bachelor of Science in Marine Biology from the College of Charleston, a Master of Arts in Education and an Education Specialist (Ed.S) degree from The Citadel.