Alumni Spotlight: Adam Smeets, Joliet Central Class of 2001

• BA, English (with Honors) and Secondary Education – Loyola University Chicago (2005)
• M.Ed, Educational Technology – University of Delaware (2006)
• ABD, Educational Leadership – University of Delaware (2009)
• Ed.D, Curriculum and Instruction – Loyola University Chicago (Expected 2020)
• Chief Technology Officer – Indian Prairie School District 204

Joliet Central High School alumnus Adam Smeets (’01) is using his passion for education, leadership, and technology everyday as the Chief Technology Officer for Indian Prairie School District 204 in Aurora, IL. Not only that, but he also is pursuing an Ed.D. in Curriculum and Instruction at the Loyola University of Chicago, with an expected graduation in 2020. Smeets embodies Joliet Township High School’s mission as he contributes positively to our community and global society.

Smeets’ story began in the community of Elwood, where he attended Elwood Junior High School and Elwood Grade School. Once he was in high school, Smeets was in a number of organizations, but the ones that resonate the most vividly for him to this day were serving as President of National Honor Society, working with our AVAC students during physical education classes, Key Club and as a tech and anchor on the Steelmen News Network.

Smeets’ passion for education flourished thanks to the support of his high school English teacher, Mr. Wilson. Smeets said, “Mr. Wilson was an inspirational teacher who created the fire for me to explore my passion for writing and teaching. He also served as the leader for our school trips through EF Tours which opened a global classroom for students. These trips had a profound impact on my social justice framework and defining who I am today - not only a lover of travel, culture and exploration, but the value of learning, teaching and social justice.”

After high school, Smeets went on to earn his BA in English (with Honors) and Secondary Education from Loyola University Chicago in 2005, a M.Ed in Educational Technology from the University of Delaware in 2006, and ABD in Educational Leadership from the University of Delaware in 2009. He is currently working on his dissertation for an Ed.D, Curriculum and Instruction degree from Loyola University Chicago (Expected 2020).

In addition to currently pursuing his doctorate, Smeets currently thrives in his role as the Chief Technology Officer for Indian Prairie School District 204 in Aurora, IL. In this position, Smeets directs, coordinates, and ensures the implementation of all tasks related to technical needs, scalable infrastructure, implementation standards, and integration of technology into every facet of district operations.

Considering his tireless efforts to better himself and his community, it’s not surprising that Smeets has earned many accolades and awards, including CoSN Certified Education Technology Leader; Adobe Education Leader, K-12 and Higher Education; Apple and Microsoft Certified Trainer; Alpha Sigma Nu - Honor Society for Jesuit Colleges and Universities; and Sigma Tau Delta - English Honor Society (2002).

Smeets offers the following advice to current students, “Joliet Central provided an outstanding foundation for my future career and aspirations, challenging ideas, encouraging critical thinking and demanding authenticity. Take advantage of the clubs, organizations, student groups and outstanding teachers’ advice, outlook and opportunities to explore who you are as a student, what you stand for, and who you want to become.”

Adam Smeets and his husband are the proud parents of two-year-old triplets.