Tote Smith was clearly surprised by the wave of applause that washed over him in Chapel on Thursday.

Normally unflappable and at ease in front of a crowd, the mathematics teacher and crew program director had been caught off guard. Head of School John Packard’s speech during the school’s weekly gathering didn’t reveal that the new Prince Charitable Trust Endowed Chair and “exemplar of what faculty members at Brooks should aspire to be” was Smith until the end.

Watch the Chapel ceremony and hear Head of School John Packard’s remarks for Smith.

“It’s very difficult to bring the depth of his commitment to students, the school and all that is on his plate to light in a way that does that commitment justice,“ Packard said building to the conclusion that Smith was the recipient of the chair, joining five current endowed faculty chairholders Dean Charpentier, Laura Hajdukiewicz, Lance Latham, Lillian Miller and Babs Wheelden (above left).

Fellow teachers shared nearly 30 nominations recommending 15 Brooks educators for the recognition. “All of them are worthy of today’s honor and that’s quite a testament to the depth and strength of this school’s faculty,” Packard noted.

However, it was Smith whom Packard, Assistant Head of School Nina Freeman and Dean of Faculty Tim Benson decided to name the recipient of the chair, that provides an annual stipend to use for professional purposes throughout the year.

“For scores of students, [Smith] is a devoted and talented teacher who knows his stuff inside and out,” Packard declared announcing the news to all gathered in the Frank D. Ashburn Chapel on March 6. “He is a coach who not only knows the x’s and o’s, but seems to have written them. He is an advisor who epitomizes any trusted adult definition and has been an exceptional port in the storm for students needing that space.”

See an album of photos from the Chapel ceremony and reception.

Following a round of applause for Smith and the end of Chapel, adults on campus came together for a casual reception in his honor.

Family members surprised him and wife Kathy Palmer Smith '88, including two of the couple’s three children, Nate Smith '18 and Tobey Smith '20 (Laura Smith '22 wasn’t able to attend). Once congrats and hugs were doled out, Smith took a moment to share his thanks during the special luncheon in the Keating Room.

“We're very lucky to do what we do,” the honoree told the room full of teachers, staff and guests including friends and former faculty members. “... To be given an honor like this, it is nothing compared to just the day-in, day-out of seeing kids grow.”

Finding Home

Teaching hadn’t always been his passion. Twelve years of his early career were spent in corporate finance. His first time working with students was at Brooks in 2003, when he served as a coach for the girls 2nd crew in collaboration with longtime head coach Sally Morris for a season.

Inspired to go into teaching during that time by Brooks' former Math Teacher and Squash Coach, Faculty Emeritus Doug Burbank, Smith went on to become a math teacher himself at Salisbury School, where he also coached crew and worked for 13 years. Smith was hired at Brooks in 2016.

Responding to get-to-know-you questions for a “Meet the New Faculty” article on Brooks’ website the fall he arrived on campus, Smith confessed that he didn’t have an agenda in coming to Brooks. “I didn't have particular expectations of Brooks beyond providing a new community where I can grow professionally, make a difference and with my wife Kathy and continue to do our best to raise our family of three teenagers in the digital age,” he’d emailed. “One week in, I feel we've found a great place for all of the above.”

Smith did, however, have a dedication to teaching and it sounds the same today as when he first shared it.

Asked what he wanted his students to learn, Smith replied, “As a math teacher … I hope they leave with a better appreciation for the language, methods and applications of mathematical reasoning, rather than merely ‘what will be on the test.’ I also hope they will learn how precious these 45 minutes we have together are, realizing it is their responsibility to bring preparation, energy and attention every day. I will try to do the same.”

In addition to Sally Morris and Doug Burbank, Smith credits 40-year Brooks Math Teacher and Soccer Coach, Faculty Emeritus Dusty Richard (whose classroom was next to Smith's when he began) as an inspiration.

Making a Difference

His success toward that goal becomes more clear every year. “‘He holds kids and colleagues to a high standard and never gives less than 100 percent to all he does,’” Packard quoted at the chair ceremony from one of the recommendations that a colleague had offered on Smith’s behalf.

The colleague noted, Packard said, that Smith “always goes the extra mile for his students. He pushes his department to be better every day. [He is] an incredible, passionate, caring and creative teacher, an outstanding coach, a wonderful adviser and a great all-around colleague.’”

Another testimony Packard shared reveals that Smith’s co-worker said they’d “come to deeply appreciate the care and thoughtfulness he puts into his work with students" in the classroom, dorm, advisory and in the afternoons.

"He does not compromise his principles, finds ways to meet kids where they are and move them forward in a way that is kind but firm," the nominator wrote. "He thinks differently, challenges us to be better and is always looking out for students.”

Reactions on social media to the news that Smith had been named Prince Charitable Trust Endowed Chair were equally effusive, with former students, parents and friends of the educator offering their congratulations on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn. Several young alumni commented, calling him a “Legend” and “absolute mastermind” and simply, “Best teacher/coach out there!”

Nearly nine years into his teaching, coaching, advising and dorm-parenting career at Brooks, Smith said he’s “so happy” his family made the move to Great Pond Road. “I feel really at home here, so this [chair] honor is just awesome.”

The Smiths with Faculty Emeriti Doug Burbank and Bobbie Crump-Burbank