Compass Charter Schools Director of Online Learning, Janae Smith, Receives the 2022 Equity Leadership Award from Sacramento State

By September 2, 2022 News

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 2, 2022                                        
CONTACT: Kimberly Aguilar, (805) 341-4689

Thousand Oaks, CA – Compass Charter Schools (Compass) is thrilled to announce that Janae Smith, Director of Online Learning, has been selected by Sacramento State as part of their Student Academic Success Day to receive the 2022 Equity Leadership Award. The Equity Leadership Award recognizes regional leadership for their commitment to educational equity and scholastic success. Sacramento State will present this recognition during the annual Student Academic Success Day on Monday, September 19, during the session “Principals and Leaders’ Summit Rejuvenated to Lead: Championing the Cause of Success.” 

“I could not be more proud of Janae for the work she is doing to support our Online Learning Program, our scholars, and her team,” shares J.J. Lewis, Superintendent & CEO. “When I think about a champion for equity at Compass, I think of Janae. She is constantly exploring her work, our work, through the lens of equity, which enhances our overall Compass Experience.”

Smith is a life-long learner who strives to improve leadership and instruction with current research-based teaching, learning, and educational theories. Smith has dedicatedly worked at Compass since 2015. She began her Compass career as a high school English teacher, then a high school coordinator, followed by a K-12 principal, and now serves as the Director of Online Learning. Smith continues to motivate staff and scholars and shines as a leader at Compass. 

Smith completed her coursework for California Preliminary Administrative Services Credential at the University of Southern California and holds a master of science in curriculum design and instruction from Western Governors University, a California Single Subject Credential from the University of Redlands, and a bachelor of arts in English, English secondary education emphasis, from California State University, Fullerton.

In her current position, Smith supports and guides the Online Learning Program, coordinators, and their teams of teachers. She has created and implemented systems and procedures that align with the organization’s mission and vision and has built a positive school-wide culture. In addition, Smith advises the Assistant Superintendent & Chief Academic Officer on issues and concerns related to the Online Learning Program. She also participates in and supports the organization and scholar recruitment and retention initiatives, scholar engagement experiences, and school-wide events. 

Dr. Aviva Ebner, Assistant Superintendent & Chief Academic Officer, shares, “Janae Smith capitalizes on the strengths of our educational partners and sets high expectations for our scholars. She uses data-driven strategies and constantly re-evaluates those strategies to ensure that they are helping scholars and providing equitable access. Her team knows she values them and their expertise, so they strive to reach the high bar she sets for them. Compass parents respect her because she respects them and empathizes with them. Our families know she will always put the scholars and equity first.”

Smith’s previous experience includes working as a high school English teacher with Olin Virtual Academy and a 7-grade English/language arts teacher with San Bernardino City Unified School District. In addition, she has implemented a school-wide AVID (Advancement via Individual Determination) program and completed the Harvard Business School’s Online Educational Leadership Program. Smith is a star, and we are fortunate to have her at Compass Charter Schools. 

“It is an honor to be recognized for my dedication to education and equity. I am fortunate to have an amazing team and organization that provides expert examples for me to grow professionally and continue advocating for all of our scholars and their needs to ensure they reach their full potential and much more”. 

About Student Academic Success Day 2022
Student Academic Success Day 2022 is proud to celebrate the theme of “Passionate, Persistent, and Powerful: Proclaiming Success.” The event is designed to bring together students, faculty, and staff along with community guests for virtual and in-person workshop sessions, engagement components, and resource fair components, to promote success.

About Compass Charter Schools
Compass Charter Schools is a WASC-accredited virtual personalized learning public charter school serving thousands of scholars throughout California. Catering to TK-12 grade scholars, Compass offers two personalized learning programs. Compass is committed to creating a collaborative virtual learning community, inspiring scholars to appreciate the ways in which arts and sciences nurture a curiosity for lifelong learning, and preparing scholars to take responsibility for their future successes.

For more information, visit About Compass, and follow us on social media via Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

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