Parsons Blewett Fueled My Professional Development Journey

As a life-long learner, cultivating my own teaching and learning process is a high priority for me.  Although I entered the district already credentialed, I still had some additional certification needs to help me obtain my academic and career goals.  I have served in education for 25 years (As of August 2023) and spent 11 of those with St. Louis Public Schools. 

Through the generous funds of Parsons Blewett, I was able to pursue my Administration Certification, which also resulted in me obtaining a second Master’s Degree.  I was also able to participate in a Superintendent’s Academy through IEI (Institute for Education Innovation) that was funded in part by Parsons Blewett.  In November, I transitioned from the Director of Professional Development to the Executive Director of Student Support Services.  I directly credit the preparation I received through my Administration Program and my Superintendent’s Academy with helping me acquire this next milestone in my career aspiration to become a Superintendent of Schools within the next 5 years.

LaTisha Smith

Executive Director of Student Support Services