advertisement

Canton Middle School leader named 'Principal of the Year'

Hanover Township Tuesday night named Canton Middle School Principal Jeff Smith its 2018 "Principal of the Year," as part of its annual Celebration of Leadership in which four Elgin Area School District U-46 students and a staff member were recognized as well.

Staff and students said Smith encourages communication and cooperation at the middle school, which is located in Streamwood, and believes in engaging every student.

"We are fortunate that Principal Smith has built his career in U-46, and I'm glad his commitment and dedication are being celebrated," said District U-46 CEO Tony Sanders.

Canton Middle School, "Home of the Cougars," is a seventh- and eighth-grade school with about 600 students. More than half of the students are from low-income families, nearly 20 percent are English Language Learners, and the school as a whole is showing great academic growth. Canton saw the highest student growth percentile in math and reading, based on MAP scores between 2016 and 2017, among U-46 middle schools.

"Jeff Smith is a strong leader who has built a community of learners at Canton Middle School," said Dr. Terri Lozier, assistant superintendent for secondary schools instruction and equity. "He begins each day telling his students that he loves them and expects them to do their best."

Canton's assistant principal, William Jackson, said Smith has created a "positive, loving culture" in the school that not only benefits students but also has resulted in a staff that understands his vision and what he expects of them as U-46 employees.

"We know where we stand and what we need to improve on. We put the kids first in everything we do," Jackson said. "If we make a mistake, well, mistakes happen, but we are to learn from them and make the building or the lesson a better one."

The award, part of the Hanover Township Committee on Youth's Annual Celebration of Leadership, is given to a principal from a township-area school, including primary, secondary, alternative education and private schools. Nominees for Principal of the Year must serve as an example to others, create positive change, be actively involved and take initiative.

Smith graduated with a degree in mathematics from Indiana University before beginning his teaching career in U-46 in 1989. He taught math at Canton Middle School and Elgin High School before shifting into administration as a dean at Elgin High School. He served as the assistant principal at Canton and the assistant principal of Kenyon Woods Middle School before returning to Canton to take over as principal during the 2010-11 school year. Over his 29 years in the district, Smith also coached baseball, football and basketball. He is the proud father of three children, Jaylene, Greyson and Aiden.

Article Comments
Guidelines: Keep it civil and on topic; no profanity, vulgarity, slurs or personal attacks. People who harass others or joke about tragedies will be blocked. If a comment violates these standards or our terms of service, click the "flag" link in the lower-right corner of the comment box. To find our more, read our FAQ.