Mr. Dewitt Smith

Biography

Mr. Smith is currently in his third year as principal at Tom Bean Middle School—a TEA Exemplary campus. He is a graduate of The University of Texas at Arlington were he received a Bachelor of Arts in History in May of 2001 and a Master of Education in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies in August of 2002.  He completed the Texas Leadership Cooperative’s Superintendent Preparation Program in May of 2007.

Mr. Smith’s career in education began as an intern at Nichols Junior High School in Arlington, Texas. Arlington ISD is the 9^th largest district in the state of Texas and is comprised of more than 62,000 students. Nichols Junior High School is a Title I campus that has a very diverse student population. Mr. Smith’s internship at Nichols resulted in a promotion to a full-time position where he held a number of different teaching assignments as a result of campus needs. While at Nichols Junior High School he taught four different classes including TAKS preparation, 8^th grade U.S. History, Technology Applications and Introduction to Technology. Additionally, he served on a number of committees, fulfilled the duties of campus webmaster, worked as the extended year vice principal and served as the extended year principal before taking a full time position as assistant principal in the Everman Independent School District.

Everman ISD is a 4-A district bordering the southeast quadrant of the city of Ft. Worth. Mr. Smith served as assistant principal in Everman ISD until being appointed as principal at Tom Bean Middle School in June of 2007. 

Philosophy of Education

It is my belief that the primary function of education is to systematically cultivate individuals who are intellectually adept, ethically grounded, and driven to be productive citizens. As an educator, I share in the responsibility, not to merely impart knowledge but to teach young men and women how to think critically for the betterment of society. The teaching of the “whole” student including academics, character education, and social norms can only be accomplished in a reciprocal atmosphere where all learners are valued and learner centered instruction prevails.

As a school administrator, I aim to maintain an optimistic approach that places student interests first. I consider the modeling of this belief paramount in the success of any educational organization. In my estimation, the “students first” principle should manifest itself in the practice of caring for students enough to keep instruction central to everything we do. I believe that communication between home and school is an essential component in instructional achievement. Quality instruction is the one gift we can offer that has the capacity to liberate students from an increasingly competitive market place. I consider the true spirit of education not to be defined by what we accomplish but rather by what we return to our students.

Respectfully,

Dewitt Smith

Dewitt Smith