Elaine Smith, principal of Indian Hills Junior High in Clive, thinks that the "school of the future should be patterned after the family rather than the business. It should be a place where caring, knowledgeable adults guide and instruct people." At Indian Hills Junior High School, Mrs. Smith established a Parent Advisory Committee that meets with her on a monthly basis. Mrs. Smith greets the participation of parents in every aspect of the educational process with enthusiasm. She is equally enthusiastic when it comes to students participating in community projects, and community service has long been part of the program at Indian Hills. In order to create an optimum environment for the education of adolescents, Mrs. Smith has helped pilot and implement inter-disciplinary teaming, integrated learning, flexible scheduling, exploratory courses, and advisory groups. For Mrs. Smith, education is the "most noble and rewarding profession." Her immediate goal is to make education accessible to all people, and when her efforts influence others to choose education as a career, that is her best reward.
1972 Drake University, B.A.
