Hello, my name is Dustin Smyers, Principal of Justiss Elementary.  I am so glad to be here...actually to be back! I completed my student teaching here at Justiss over 25 years ago in Mrs. Hooten’s classroom and Mrs. Meredith’s classroom.  After completing my student teaching and receiving my Bachelor of Science degree from Texas A&M - Commerce in 1998, I began working at Chisum Elementary.

I was a Reading Recovery, 1st grade, and 2nd grade teacher before becoming their Assistant Principal. While teaching, I received my Master of Education degree from Texas A&M - Commerce in 2003. I left Chisum after 7 years and moved to Tyler, Texas, with my daughter, and worked as a school administrator with Tyler ISD at Clarkston Elementary for 10 years. When I moved back to Paris in 2016, I became the Principal at Roxton ISD for 1 year before arriving here at Justiss Elementary.    

My daughter Emery, who is my pride and joy, is in college studying to become a Dental Hygienist.  I’m so proud of her!   

My favorite things to do are snow skiing, sitting on the beach, hanging out by the swimming pool, working out on my land, and being with family.  

I am so excited to be a member of the Justiss team!