A Conversation with Dr. Wesley Smith, Superintendent, Newport-Mesa Unified School District, CA

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 priority when assuming leadership. He emphasizes building a culture of inclusivity, belonging, and student-centered learning, while focusing on climate and culture as foundational elements of success.

A key theme in the discussion is Dr. Smith's "systems approach" to leadership, which ensures that success is deliberate and consistent across all areas of the district. He provides examples of this approach through curricular coherence, professional learning communities, and developing common assessments for teachers. Dr. Smith also underscores the importance of continuous educator learning, believing that enhancing the capacity of adults within the system directly impacts student outcomes. He stresses the need for intentionality and buy-in from educators, ensuring that learning and growth are systemic rather than ad-hoc.

Additionally, Dr. Smith reflects on his time as Executive Director of the Association of California School Administrators, noting the courage required to prioritize students' needs in a system often designed for adult interests. He emphasizes the challenges facing superintendents today, such as navigating political distractions and external pressures while maintaining focus on student achievement.

Main Topics Covered

1. Leadership in Newport Mesa Unified School District
   Dr. Smith discusses his leadership style, highlighting the importance of listening, inclusivity, and culture building within a diverse district.
2. Systems Approach to Education
   Dr. Smith outlines his strategy for implementing consistent success through systemic processes, emphasizing curricular coherence, common assessments, and professional learning communities.
3. Continuous Learning for Educators
   He stresses the importance of lifelong learning for educators, ensuring their growth is directly tied to student success through structured professional development.
4. Courage in Leadership
   Reflecting on his experience at the state level, Dr. Smith highlights the need for courage in educational leadership, especially when prioritizing students' needs over adult interests.
5. Challenges for Superintendents
   The episode addresses modern challenges in school leadership, particularly political distractions and pressures that can divert focus from students' needs.

The podcast concludes with Dr. Smith's belief that leaders must remember their students are always watching, motivating him to bring his best effort daily.