School Administrators of Iowa has named Dustin Smith, assistant principal and activities director at Nevada High School, as the 2022-23 Iowa Assistant Secondary Principal of the Year.
“I’m honored even to be considered for this award, much less the recipient. You are only as good as those around you, and Nevada has great educators. Thank you to the students, parents and educators that make Nevada a great place to work and grow,” Smith expressed.
Mr. Dustin Smith
A committee of Iowa assistant secondary principals selected Smith for the award. He will be recognized during SAI’s Annual Conference in August. As Iowa’s recipient, Smith is a candidate for National Assistant Principal of the Year, an award sponsored by the National Association of Secondary School Principals.
Selection is based on the leader’s contributions to the learning environment, student interests and voice, staff morale and community support. Also, the individual’s leadership in inspiring and motivating others to achieve and contribute to the educational environment is considered as well as the earned respect of students, colleagues and the community at large.
“Dustin is an example of a courageous leader and an excellent choice by his peers as the 2023 Assistant Secondary Principal of the Year. He understands the importance of relationships in all aspects of his work. His positive and enthusiastic approach to his work is infectious which allows him to build such strong relationships,” said SAI Executive Director Lisa Remy.
Smith has served in a leadership capacity at Nevada since 2017. His career in education began as a business and technology education teacher at Janesville Community School District. He earned a bachelor’s degree in business education and a master’s degree in educational leadership from the University of Northern Iowa.