Today, Dr. Carla Sparks interviews Dr. Danita Smith, a 2023 National Louis University educational leadership doctorate graduate and superintendent of schools at MYcroSchool, Incorporated in Florida. Dr. Smith describes how earning advanced degrees led to roles from chief of schools to superintendent and strengthened her ability to apply research in practice. She explains her influence through supporting charter school principals, developing policy, analyzing achievement trends, and creating innovative, authentic learning for students who struggled in traditional high schools. 

She highlights the importance of relationships, culture, small-school “sweet spots,” wraparound services, community partnerships, and consistent systems. As superintendent, she manages compliance, budgets, HR, transparency, and advocacy to dispel misconceptions about charters as competition. She also serves as an adjunct professor at National Louis University and mentors aspiring leaders, emphasizing purpose, continuous learning, trust, integrity, and treating people right.

Episode Highlights:

00:00 Welcome to the Podcast

00:37 Meet Dr. Danita Smith

02:20 Doctorate Opens Doors

05:14 How She Influences Schools

09:50 Authentic Innovative Why

17:31 Small Schools Big Impact

20:21 Structures Culture Results

25:58 Life as Superintendent

32:44 Adjunct Mentoring Leaders

37:38 Advice for Changemakers

42:07 Closing Thanks