Spotlight
Pharis Smith, Tuckerman Elementary Principal, says, “I hope to be remembered as someone who cared about his students and faculty and always put family first.”
Pharis Smith comes from a family of educators who, together, have currently invested 140 years of service in education. His brother coached and served as athletic director for 39 years. One of his sisters taught, served as a building principal and then moved into the superintendency before retiring after 42 years in education. His other sister has been in education for 33 years and currently works at the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education. Mr. Smith knew in high school that he wanted to follow in the steps of his siblings as he watched them teach and coach. Even if he was not in his current position, he feels he would most likely be coaching basketball. Pharis Smith started his career teaching fourth grade science and elementary physical education in the Black Rock School District. After two years in elementary Mr. Smith switched to high school physical science and coaching senior girls’ basketball. After three years he moved to Swifton High School where he coached senior boys’ basketball and taught physical education and geography. He became an elementary school principal at Tuckerman four years later and has been in the Jackson County School District for the last seventeen years. Mr. Smith has spent 26 years in education and says he still looks forward to his job every day. “Interacting with the students each day and watching them grow and reach their potential is my favorite part of this job,” Mr. Smith stated. He also enjoys working with his faculty and helping promote an atmosphere that helps students as well as teachers succeed. In fact, his advice to those who are considering entering into the field of education is to make sure they have a love for kids and an intrinsic motivation to make sure students and teachers are successful. This year has been a great challenge to everyone but Pharis said the greatest challenge remains the same every year - ensuring that he and his staff are teaching every student, both in person and virtually, to the best of their abilities. He adds, “As we continue to progress, I am confident we will meet the educational goals of our students.” When asked how his co-workers would describe him Mr. Smith stated, “They would describe me as energetic, hard-working, diligent, and caring.” He said the greatest advice he has ever received is “don’t make a permanent decision for your temporary emotion.” Great advice for anyone. 5
