Note: Faculty & staff contact information is available on the staff directory

Hello, my name is Erik Files or Coach E as the kids call me. I am the PE teacher here at WES and I am looking forward to the new school year. I am from Brooklyn NY and came to Alabama on a football scholarship to the University of North Alabama. I am a lifelong learner and firmly believe that every student should be provided equal opportunity for learning, participation, and mentorship. I have vast amount of experience in coaching, playing sports, teaching, and providing mentorship for students, I am also a firm believer in discipline, accountability, student participation, and of simply making learning fun while incorporating life skills. My class will consist of the major components of fitness, health, team skill development, individual skill development, and functional cognitive development, while focusing on respect and sportsmanship. I love rewarding students for great productivity and behavior and am planning field trips this year that will reflect this. I am a firm believer in giving back so I am always looking to help and mentor kids.

University of North Alabama B.S Fitness and Sports Administration

ALSDE Class B-Elementary & Secondary Education in Health & Physical Education

Physical Education

I have 20 years total in some form of education and student Development. I served 3 years as a Athletic Director /Head Football Coach and 16 years as a Basketball, Baseball, Football, Track and Field Coach in various locations. I have also served my community as a Parole Officer and At-Risk Community Counselor. I served as Counselor at Northwest Shoals Community Colledge and Dean of Students Discipline at Shoals Christian School. I bring 3 years of certified teaching experience, 5 years of paraprofessional teaching and 10 years of student counseling and mentoring.