Episode
A Conversation with Dr. Wesley Smith, Superintendent, Newport-Mesa Unified School District, CA
- Published
- Sep 25, 2024
- Duration seconds
- 1882
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Summary
About Dr. Wesley Smith Dr. Smith is superintendent of the Newport-Mesa Unified School District. His 25 years in California public education include 17 years as a site or district leader and eight years as an educator and student advocate at the state and federal levels. Dr. Smith served as the executive director of the Association of California School Administrators (ACSA), which is the largest umbrella organization for school leaders in the United States. He previously served as the superintendent of Morgan Hill Unified School District, and superintendent, assistant superintendent, and principal at Cascade Union Elementary School District. He has also served as a high school English, English language development, and Spanish teacher, as well as a football and baseball coach. In addition to Dr. Smith’s K-12 experience, he is currently an adjunct professor in the USC Rossier School of Education. Known as a strong leader who prioritizes the rights, needs, and safety of all students, Dr. Smith has been successful in narrowing access and achievement gaps, restoring positive working relationships, rebuilding confidence in education systems, and helping students feel seen, heard, and valued. He obtained his Bachelor of Arts in English from Brigham Young University, Master of Arts from Claremont Graduate School, and Doctorate in Educational Leadership from the University of Southern California. Podcast Summary In this podcast episode, Dr. Wesley Smith, superintendent of Newport Mesa Unified School District, discusses his leadership journey and key strategies that have shaped his tenure. The episode begins with an overview of Newport Mesa, a diverse district serving both affluent and underprivileged communities. Dr. Smith highlights the importance of listening as his initial p…