Administrator Spotlight

Jason Reeves

Assistant Principal, Alma High School

Dr. Jason Reeves, Assistant Principal for Alma High School, says that despite always wanting to be a football coach, he instead pursued a bachelor's in computer science and worked as a systems/business analyst for three years before transitioning to education. He says, "I knew that you did not get 'do overs' in life, and that I would regret it if I didn't do what I felt the Lord originally called me to. So, I looked into how to become a teacher and coach and made the change."

Dr. Reeves’s first teaching position was with Darby Junior High in Fort Smith teaching 7th grade math. He also volunteered to coach football and was paid to assist with soccer at Northside High School. After a year, he moved on to Alma Middle School where he coached football and baseball and taught a variety of classes over the years. "I coached and taught in Alma for the next 12 years before knowing it was time to move to administration," he states. "My first administrator position was the assistant principal at Alma Middle School. After two years, I moved to Alma High School where I have been for the past five years and had the opportunity to work with some great people."

When it comes to his job, he says the good definitely outweighs the bad. He enjoys working with students to ensure they are able to graduate and pursue their future goals. He asserts, "Education is key to life and a high school diploma opens the door for so many options for a young man or woman. It’s an honor to be able to be a part of that." However, he says the life of an assistant principal can be difficult at times because most of the negative that happens will come to your desk. During those moments, he advises that "it is important to remember why you are here and what blessings are around you each and every day."

For anyone considering the career, he says to go for it! "Education NEEDS great people," he says. "Our students and staff NEED great people to lead by example for them. You just need to be firmly grounded in why you are here and why you are in the position you are in." He says a good piece of advice that has helped him is in his career is "If you are ever not positive on the decision to make, err on the side of the student. You can never go wrong if you are trying to help the student."

? Q&A ! with Jason Reeves

What might other administrators be surprised to know about you?

I run four days a week (because I like to eat) and I am somewhat OCD with it. I believe one man’s crazy is another man’s disciplined. If it is not lightning or ice covered then I can run in it. I hate running on a treadmill. I’ll do a treadmill when I can’t get outside or if I’m traveling and not really sure of my surroundings. I have also completed two full marathons.

What do you enjoy doing during your time off?

No matter what I am doing on my time off, I like it to involve my family. As a high school administrator, you have many nights and weekends where you are going to this game or that activity. When I’m not doing something for the school, I want to be home, with them. I love to eat (which is why I run) and I love watching college football. The best is when I can combine those two on a Saturday in September on my back porch relaxing, watching football, and running the smoker while the girls are swimming or playing.

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

I’ve never really thought of having a “bucket list”, but I would love to travel to Israel one day and see firsthand where many of the things we read about in the Bible took place. I would love to walk where Jesus walked.

What are the goals you are still working toward?

I want to get into district leadership. I would like to be an assistant superintendent for a great district where I can learn from a great superintendent. Then, if God ordains my steps to do so, I would like to be a superintendent.

Where do you see yourself in five years?

Where I see me and where the Lord sees me are two different things. I would like to be an assistant superintendent or superintendent, but ultimately, I want to be where God wants me to be. If I’m still the assistant principal at Alma High School, that’s a pretty good gig as well.

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

I want to be remembered as a good person who was able to make the lives of those I worked with better and had a positive impact on the students and their futures. I’d like to be remembered as someone who added value to those I was around.

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

The biggest benefit is being able to network with other leaders within the state. You can get new ideas on how to handle something, or you can hear of issues they are having and realize it isn’t just you and your school/district. It’s very comforting to know you can pick up the phone and call any one of numerous people who have gone through something similar or can give you advice on future decisions.