Smith County Insider “Educator Spotlight”: Dillon Reed

May 26, 2020

Smith County Insider’s “Educator Spotlight” series is our way of celebrating the incredible educators in Smith County who go above and beyond for their students, both inside and outside of the classroom!

Smith County Educator Dillon Reed – Assistant Principal at Smith County High School

Today’s “Educator Spotlight” features Dillon Reed, Assistant Principal at Smith County High School.

Dillon is a lifelong Smith County resident. He grew up in the Grant community and now lives in Carthage. He attended New Middleton Elementary School and Gordonsville High School.

Dillon is currently in his 5th year of education. Prior to becoming Assistant Principal at SCHS this past school year, Dillon taught Journalism and 9th grade English for 4 years.

Smith County Insider interviewed Dillon about his experiences as an educator, and this is what he had to say.

SCI: When did you realize that you wanted to be a teacher?

DR: As strange as it may seem, I never thought about what I wanted to do “when I grew up.” Even in kindergarten, I remember knowing that I was going to be a teacher. It was never a question.

SCI: What is the most rewarding part of your job?

DR: The most rewarding part of my job is seeing students succeed. It’s especially rewarding when I have former students reach out to me years later to tell me I played even a small part in getting them to where they are now. I had many teachers who helped shape me into the person I am today, and it is incredibly rewarding to know that I am able to impact my students’ lives in the same way.

SCI: What inspires you?

DR: At the moment, I am inspired by everyone in our school community, from the teachers who adapted their final quarter of teaching into an online and packet-based format, to the students who continued asking for and completing assignments even when they weren’t receiving grades for their work. I am inspired by our cafeteria workers who have continued to prepare meals for students and their families during the extended closure of schools, and I am inspired by the teachers and support staff who consistently show up and use their own vehicles to deliver meals to students in the community. I am inspired by the parents who ensure their children have continued learning during this time, even though some students have insisted they “don’t have to work.”

SCI: What’s the best piece of advice you have for your students?

DR: Always make an attempt. Even if you try and do not succeed, the world will respect you for your efforts far more than if you do nothing.

SCI: What do you like to do in your free time?

DR: I enjoy reading, cooking, and watching TV shows with my wife. Some of our favorites are The Office and Game of Thrones. When time allows, I still enjoy playing video games as well.

SCI: Is there anything else you would like to share with the readers of Smith County Insider?

DR: The administrators, teachers, and staff of Smith County Schools strive to make decisions that are in the best interests of our students and their families. I am incredibly fortunate to have the opportunity to work in a school system such as this, and I am humbled that the parents of our students entrust us with the task of caring for their children. “School” has looked different over the last several weeks, but we have never stopped doing everything we can to make sure our students succeed.

Thank you for your leadership and dedication to your students, Dillon!

Don’t miss Smith County Insider’s next “Educator Spotlight”!

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