For Wes Smith, teaching is not just a career—it’s a calling rooted in community, growth, and the belief that education extends far beyond textbooks. Since joining Saint James, he has found a place where teachers, students, and families truly support one another. “I chose Saint James because it feels like a true community,” he explains. “The supportive environment makes it a place where I can contribute meaningfully and continue growing as an educator.”
Wes is a 2018 Huntingdon College graduate who earned a degree in Mathematics. While his first four years in education were spent teaching high school math, a conversation with Middle School Principal Dr. Taylor changed the course of his career. Encouraged to pursue middle school, he quickly discovered a passion for working with 8th graders. “I fell in love with it,” he says. I stayed in middle school because I enjoyed their unique sense of humor and personalities.”
As an educator, he strives to balance academic excellence with character development. His goals go beyond teaching equations and formulas. “Being a teacher goes beyond caring for students and inspiring change—it’s also about teaching kids professional skills, responsibility, and consistency,” he shares. His classroom focuses on accountability, organization, and time management, helping students mature into well-rounded individuals prepared for challenges inside and outside school.
He also wants the broader community to understand the dedication teaching requires. “I wish more people realized how much emotional energy teachers give. We don’t just teach subjects; we support students through challenges, worries, and personal struggles.” Looking ahead, Wes aspires to become an Athletic Director and combine his love for sports with his passion for leadership and mentorship.
With his dedication to students, commitment to community, and vision for the future, Wes embodies the spirit of Saint James, where teaching is more than a profession; it’s a lasting investment in people, values, and commitment to ensure students are thriving and successful.
Originally from Birmingham, Alabama, Wes now calls Montgomery home. He and his wife, Kennedy, have been married for nearly seven years and are proud parents to their young son, Benne.
