Clara Smith

By KALISHA SINGLETON

Staff Writer

When you walk into her office, you know you have just walked into the life of someone important. All over the walls are plaques, awards and pictures that tell who she is and where she's coming from. Her achievements extend from Wayne State University to the Educator's Achievement Award, among others.

The principal at Thirkell Elementary is one who is respected for many reasons.  

Dr. Clara Smith is an Eastern Michigan University alumna, a member of Delta Sigma Theta sorority, a wife and a mother.  She has an extensive background in Detroit Public Schools and has worked for the school board for 28 years.  She has taught every grade from first to sixth. She has been a math specialist and was one of the original clip specialists. Smith also was an administrative unit head at Farwell and an assistant principal at Mark Twain and Spain.

Smith was inspired to be an administrator early in her life.  She says she feels that she has always inherently had the skills to be a leader.  

Clara Smith

“I've always had leadership skills from the beginning,” she explains.  “I was president of the chair and usher board at my church.  I’m pretty easygoing, and God is the center focus of my life.  That makes it easy to be a people person."

All of Smith's experience comes into play with her vision for Thirkell.

“Our mission is to ensure that every child is given an opportunity to learn to the best of their ability so that, when they leave Thirkell, they can do anything and go anywhere.

“Our long term goals are to stay on top of all the new trends in reading, math, science and social studies. I want Thirkell to be a blue ribbon school.

Smith says the staff and administration are working hard to make necessary changes in order to realize those long-term goals.  However, Smith says she feels Thirkell already has a lot to be proud of.

“We have a very open climate, a pleasant climate,” Smith says, smiling.  “The community is very nice.  And we have an open-door policy with our parents. When you invite parents in, there is a positive connection when home and school work together.”

Although Smith has enough experience to be an administer elsewhere, she says she plans to remain at Thirkell.  She wants to work closely with the community and school in order to continue to make Thrikell great. 

“Detroit is my home,” she says.  “This is where I received my education.  I want to give back.  I'm in Detroit for our children.”