Jocelyn Smith, Ed.D.

Jocelyn Smith, Ed.D. is the Director of the ALMA Initiative (Advancing Latino and Multilingual Learner Achievement) and an Assistant Teaching Professor with the Institute for Educational Initiatives and the Alliance for Catholic Education (ACE) at the University of Notre Dame. In her role, she provides strategic leadership for ALMA's national initiatives, including the Latino Engagement Institute (LEI), Latino Educator and Administrator Development (LEAD), ENL Hernández Fellows, and other programs that strengthen Catholic schools through culturally responsive leadership and multilingual learner success.

Smith's career has been defined by a steadfast commitment to educational equity, excellence, and transformational leadership. Drawing on her extensive experience as a Catholic school principal, she led a once-struggling school facing declining enrollment and low academic performance to become a thriving National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence in 2023. Her leadership experience continues to shape her work with Catholic school systems across the country.

In her role as Director of the ALMA Initiative, she uses her experience to collaborate with principals nationwide to implement best practices and innovative strategies tailored to the unique needs of Latino students in Catholic schools. She provides guidance on building culturally responsive practices, fostering family and community engagement and addressing systemic barriers that hinder student achievement. Her approach is grounded in a deep understanding of the challenges faced by Latino students and a commitment to celebrating their rich cultural heritage. With a deep-rooted passion for fostering inclusive and thriving school environments, Smith has established herself as a distinguished principal mentor advancing educational opportunities for Latino students across the nation, increasing enrollment and enhancing academic performance in schools nationwide.

Through the Latino Engagement Institute, Dr. Smith has helped schools across the United States build sustainable enrollment strategies that authentically engage Latino families while strengthening Catholic school identity and mission. Through the Latino Educator and Administrator Development (LEAD) program, she has mentored and developed Latino educators and aspiring administrators, equipping them with the leadership skills, confidence, and professional networks needed to advance into influential leadership roles within Catholic education.

Smith earned her Doctorate in Organizational Leadership from Vanderbilt University. Her accomplishments have earned her recognition in the field of education as a keynote speaker renowned for her transformative insights and dynamic presentations. Her deep commitment to Latino student success has made Smith a prominent voice in the field of education, known for inspiring change and fostering excellence in schools across the country. Her keynotes are characterized by their compelling blend of research, practical strategies, and heartfelt anecdotes. She addresses a range of topics, including educational equity, effective leadership practices, advancement, teacher pedagogy and the importance of championing a future where diversity in our schools and school administration is both a norm and a strength. Her work stands as a testament to the power of transformative leadership and the importance of fostering environments where every student can achieve their fullest potential. She resides in South Bend, Indiana with her husband and four children. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, live music, cooking, and creating welcoming spaces for family and friends.

Degrees

• 2021 Ed.D., Doctorate in Educational Leadership, Dissertation: ‘Self-efficacy of Catholic School Principals and their Professional Learning Implications’ Chair: Laura Booker, Ed.D., Vanderbilt University
• 2017 English as a New Language Certification, University of Notre Dame
• 2015 Specialist in Educational Leadership, Columbus State University
• 2004 M.S., Elementary Education, Mercy College 
• 2002 B.A., Political Science, Spanish Language & Literature Minor, Fordham University

Publications

• Smith, J. (2021) Self-efficacy of Catholic School Principals and their Professional Learning Implications. 

CV