Valaida Doyle-Smith

West Side High School
Bio

Mrs. Doyle-Smith began her teaching career after more than 30 years of working in banking, investments, retail, gaming, and insurance.  She switched to teaching in 2003 as a tribute to her father and fell in love with the profession.  Her teaching career launched at the Camden City School District and she became the JAG Specialist at Woodrow Wilson High School (now East Side) in 2017.  Mrs. Doyle-Smith’s love of the JAG program comes from the opportunity to contribute to the development of her students and become a mentor for life.  She is privileged to see her students grow into responsible adults and, in some cases, start their own families.  She made the move to Newark Public Schools in 2021 and became the JAG Specialist at West Side High School in 2022.

During her education career, she has received numerous awards and recognition including the 2017 JAG National Performance Award.

Mrs. Doyle-Smith has a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration with a concentration in accounting from Saint Joseph University and a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership from Cheyney University.  She is a certified business and marketing teacher and also holds a comprehensive business certification as well as a supervisor certificate.

Fun fact:  Valaida loves to bake and her students are often able to enjoy the treats she makes throughout the year.