Spotlight - Pharis Smith, Ed.S.

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 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.

Mr. Smith said one of the major changes he has seen in education during his career is in the area of testing. He has experienced his students taking the benchmark assessment and now ACT Aspire with students testing completely on computers. Another great change is occurring this year as he is learning to run a building during a pandemic while also learning to deliver instruction to students in a virtual setting. Even though this has been a challenge, Mr. Smith also feels that the ability of his staff to adapt during this pandemic, to continue the learning process and intentionally put students first, has been truly amazing.

When asked what he is most proud of Mr. Smith said it would be the adoption of his daughter from Guatemala and receiving his superintendent’s certification during a pandemic. He aspires to be a superintendent in the near future. Mr. Smith was elected President of the Arkansas Association of Elementary School Principals in 2017-2018 and continues to serve on the board. He also serves as a mentor for a great group of beginning administrators.

On a personal note, Pharis enjoys going to the lake and vacationing and hopes to someday fulfill a goal on his “bucket list” by visiting Mt. Rushmore and the Grand Canyon. The most daring thing he has ever done is to go parasailing. When people look back on his life Mr. Smith hopes to be remembered as someone who cared about his students and faculty and always put family first.

What Are Your Goals?

Just working each day to support my teachers and students so they can achieve success. That is what I strive for daily. We all have short term goals, but my main effort is to provide stability for my building.

What might other administrators be surprised to know about you?

I eat absolutely no fruits and only corn for vegetables…yes, I am extremely picky.

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

The benefits of having an AAEA membership is that you have an unbelievable network of administrators that can help you when new policies or guidelines are released that can help you make the transition more easily.