Administrator Spotlight

Administrator Spotlight: Scott Smith

Scott Smith, Principal at Western Yell County High School, says his career in education began later than most. While he decided at 17 that he wanted to be a teacher and coach – inspired by his high school basketball coach, Buster Campell and his high school principal, Gale Yates – it wasn’t until later in life that he went back to get his bachelor’s degree. He says, “I was 31 when I started my first coaching and teaching job at Bruno Pyatt. My children were in 3rd grade and kindergarten my first year as a teacher.” He taught at Bruno Pyatt three years followed by one year of teaching social studies at Eureka Springs Middle School. The next leg of his journey took him to West Side Greers Ferry where he spent 9 great years, 7 of which were spent coaching boys’ basketball. "This is where my children graduated from as well," he says. Next, he went on to Armorel where he served four years as the high school principal, his first administrative job in schools. He is currently at Western Yell County where he is in his 8th year as the high school principal.

Scott says when it comes to his favorite thing about being a principal, it's not even close: "It is coming in everyday and building relationships with the students and staff. I am in this just like all other educators are, for the kids. It is amazing to watch them grow and mature." If he wasn't in his current role, he says he'd still be coaching basketball, and believes he will always be involved in education in some capacity. "I feel like I should be serving students. I started late but, man, I know I am in the right profession. I might venture into being a superintendent but I love being a principal." Of his professional accomplishments, he says he is most proud of going back to school and earning his Master’s Degree, allowing him to further his dream and become a principal. "I hope I have affected young people’s lives for the better," he says.

The most challenging part of the job for Scott is dealing with the administrative side of things. He says. ”I know the administrative things have to be done but I want to be out talking and interacting and building quality relationships, especially with students." He believes those considering a similar career must have a passion for helping young people. "It is not a profession that a person can just go through the motions. We are dealing with flesh and blood kids. Someone’s baby. I think it is important to know and respect that going in." Scott says with passion, the content mastery will come, and that education needs good, passionate people. "There are a lot of people leaving the profession and it needs to be replenished with good people. It is hard but to quote a line from A League of Their Own, 'The hard is what makes it great.'"

The biggest change Scott has seen over the course of his career is the growing importance of high stakes summative assessments. "While it has always been important, the stakes have really been amped up and I don’t think it is for the best. Schools have to be held accountable for student learning. However, I think the way they are held accountable at the state and national level should be reevaluated especially as it pertains to testing."

In his time off, Scott loves to spend time with his family, including his wife of 34 years, and especially his grandchildren. He says that like many Arkansans, he has a passion for watching Razorback sports, and that he also enjoys reading when he finds the time. As for his future goals, he says, "Even though I am in my fifties I would still like to write a book and do some educational consulting and presenting. They have both been goals for quite a while. I guess it is time I started making those things happen."

?Q&A! with Scott Smith

How would your co-workers describe you?

“Passionate, friendly, loyal, honest”

What is the best advice you have ever received?

“Be obedient to God because if you miss heaven, you’ve missed everything.”

What is the most daring thing you’ve done?

“When I was young I jumped off the back of a moving car. I know it wasn’t smart and you’re probably wondering what I was doing on the back of a moving car to begin with. That is a really good question.”

What’s something that amazes you?

“Two things, one good and one bad: I am amazed by my grandchildren and other children who seem to grow and mature everyday. I am also amazed how kids can bounce back sometimes better than adults in adverse situations that adults have unfortunately put them in. Kids are so resilient at all ages. I am also amazed at how harshly and badly people treat one another in this day and age. There doesn’t seem to be a lot of room for grace concerning mankind right now. I hope that changes.”

What might other administrators be surprised to know about you?

“I was a restaurant manager before I decided to go back to school and earn my bachelor’s degree.”

What is one of the things on your “Bucket List?”

“Most of the things on my bucket list are sports related. One has already passed, which was to watch a basketball game in Barnhill Arena. Outside of seeing Arkansas win a national championship, I want to see a Duke-North Carolina basketball game in Cameron Indoor Stadium. I would also love to see a men’s basketball final four with Arkansas playing in it.”

When people look back at your life, how do you want to be remembered?

“I want to be remembered as a Christian that lived a godly life. I hope that I portray that in my daily life.”

What do you see as the biggest benefit of AAEA membership?

“The biggest benefit is the leadership qualities I have been able to develop while being a member and allowing me to become an AASSP board member. The benefits have been immeasurable.”