Dr. VaShawn Smith ΦΒΣ

Today it became real. Rooted & Real is officially out. This project stretched me, healed me, and shaped me. Grateful for every lesson that built these pages. Order here: westbowpress.com/en/bookstore/b… More when I’m back from my Bestie’s trip but today, I’m celebrating what God just did.

Coach Stu secured his 100th win 💯 and two seniors hit 1,000 career points 🏀🔥 Legacy. Excellence. Bulldog Pride. 🐾 #GHSPride #PlayForward

There’s a difference between choosing and reaching. Reaching reacts to discomfort. Choosing pauses and moves from alignment. Not everything that drifts is meant to be chased. If it costs your peace, it may not be your assignment. open.substack.com/pub/drvashawns…

Honored to be featured at the BLOC Casino Night Gala. Grateful for the opportunity to share my journey in education and the heart behind Rooted & Real. The quiet work is always worth it. 📖♠️ #RootedAndReal #Purpose #Leadership

Relief feels safe, but it can quietly keep you in cycles. This week’s Quiet Work letter is about the difference between distraction and devotion, control and surrender. False safety steadies you temporarily. Trust anchors you permanently. open.substack.com/pub/drvashawns…

Alignment Before Authority is live. You can lead well and still be quietly misaligned. Authority moves you forward; alignment keeps you rooted. open.substack.com/pub/drvashawns…

It’s live. Rooted & Real: The Quiet Letters just dropped on Substack. For anyone doing the quiet work, faith, leadership, growth, and becoming without rushing the process. Subscribe here 👇🏾 @drvashawnsmith?r=2ymwj6&utm_medium=ios&utm_source=profile&shareImageVariant=blur" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">substack.com/@drvashawnsmit… 🌱 Read Week 1: open.substack.com/pub/drvashawns…

📖 I’m giving away 25 copies of Rooted & Real: 35 Days to Strengthen Your Soul and Walk in Purpose. January was full, my first book release in Omaha, my birthday, and welcoming MJ. February is about impact. Subscribe to my Substack + DM me for a copy. @drvashawnsmith?r=2ymwj6&utm_medium=ios&utm_source=profile&shareImageVariant=light" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">substack.com/@drvashawnsmit…

Rooted & Real: The Quiet Work begins where the book ends. Weekly letters on faith, leadership, and the unseen work of becoming, without rushing the process. First letter drops tomorrow at 5 PM. Follow here: @drvashawnsmith" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">substack.com/@drvashawnsmith

Just finished The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry, and this line sealed it for me: “Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life.” (1 Thess. 4:10–11) Not just a read, a mirror and a reset. Slowing down isn’t weakness, it’s wisdom. Presence over pressure. Purpose over pace.

Back from my birthday sabbatical and back to celebrating our people. This week’s Bulldog Torch goes to Angie, our Food Service Manager. Leading with heart and care every day. We see you and appreciate you! 🐶🔥

Met Aaliyah during my first year as a principal—she was a teacher cadet and I believed in who she was becoming. We reconnected recently and celebrated my birthday over dinner tonight. Seeing the confident, purpose-driven woman she’s become reminded me why this work matters.

Last five copies from the first 100 books I ordered. Grateful for every seed planted, every conversation sparked, and every soul choosing to grow deeper. If you’ve got one of these, you’re part of the foundation. You can still get a copy at: westbowpress.com/en/bookstore/b… #RootedReal

I’ve done some pretty dope things in my career, but today is up there. Self-care PD this afternoon and our @GHS_GrandviewC4 staff engagement was off the chart. When we take care of our people, they show up stronger for kids. #GHSPRIDE #CultureMatters #StaffWellness

As the pace picks up again, I’m practicing how to carry what grounded me into what comes next. Presence, boundaries, and connection, not rush. Carrying what matters forward. #leadlap #leadership #NewYear2026 bethhouf.com/blog/carrying-…

If you would’ve told me that a flight on from Houston to Jackson would change my life lead to Rooted & Real and end with a the year with a marketing plan & talks of a 2nd book I wouldn’t have believed you. This is what God can do with a surrendered yes not perfect, just obedient.

Half of my first shipment of Rooted & Real is already gone, and it hasn’t even been a week. This book didn’t come from a strong, confident yes, but a surrendered, obedient one. A reminder that obedience is all God needs, He handles the rest. The link to purchase is in my bio.

@WescottEducator Merry Christmas 🎁🎄

Looks fantastic @drvsmith Enjoy your day!

@WescottEducator I was in the #DaLab today!

Came across my Outdoor Leadership Experience journal from 2019–2020 today. It reminded me that leadership isn’t just what you do, it’s how you show up, and how your vulnerability gives others permission to be brave. Some reminders come right on time.