Todd Smith

Job Title and School District:

Director of District Operations, Azle ISD

Social Media Link:

@azletodd

How has this degree affected your professional outlook? What about personally?

The Superintendent Certification program helped me gain a better outlook and perspective from a district level.

What was your single biggest takeaway from the program?

The knowledge obtained from an online certification program.

How much time per week did you spend on your studies?

10 hours.

Describe how having an online option made a degree more accessible for you.

For the most part, the online option allowed me to work on class assignments as my schedule allowed. On some occasions we would have to log in for video sessions with professors and cohort group members. I was also able to plan ahead in regards to upcoming assignments.

What was one of the biggest challenges during the program, and how did you overcome it?

At first the biggest challenge was adjusting to the technology. At that time Lamar was using a portfolio program that we were supposed to be inputting items in. I think the program was called TK20. It was not user-friendly at all.

How did you hear about the online degree programs at Lamar University?

E-mail and co-worker.

Why did you choose to earn your advanced degree from Lamar University?

Reputation of program.

What advice would you give to a prospective student who is considering this program?

Great program. I was very skeptical of an online program. After participation in the online certification program with Lamar, I feel I was exposed to everything, if not more, than I would have in a traditional face-to-face classroom setting.

What helped you get through the program the most? What helped you make it to the finish line?

Friends I made in cohort group and family members.

Describe your family's thoughts and feelings about you earning your degree.

Proud of my accomplishments.

If you could do it all over again, what would you do differently?

No—great experience and preparation for Superintendent Certification test as well as a great program.