Mr. Smith is an advocate for all students. His work began as a Teacher Assistant in Saint Paul Public Schools, where he worked with students that were labeled with an Emotional and Behavioral Disorders. He realized that students were “falling through the cracks” and somebody needed to be an agent of change. Mr. Smith decided to take, for many Black men in his family, the road less traveled; exploring education. Mr. Smith’s educational travels include Associate of Arts degree from North Hennepin Community College, Bachelor of Arts degree from Metropolitan State University, Master of Education degree from Concordia University, Nebraska, and Educational Specialist degree from Concordia Saint Paul, Cultural Specialist in Saint Paul Public School 2014 - 2020, Restorative Practices Coordinator 2019 - 2020, Associate Administrator 2020 - 2022, and Assistant Principal 2022 - 2023. 

 

 

Mr. Smith’s selfless passion, advocacy, determination, and dedication to students and families continue to be his motivation. Mr. Smith believes that in order to travel, one must be driven to leave one’s home to create and establish many homes on their journey. Mr. Smith understands that the keys to education open up the doors to many opportunities.

 

“I would rather be the one-millionth person to try something for the first time and fail, as opposed to being the first person that doesn’t try because one million people failed.” - Devon Smith