The Creator of TEAS©

Meet Dr. David Smith, Dean Emeritus, University of Florida. This article introduces you to Dr. Smith in order to help you understand the Teacher Education Assessment System, TEAS©, and the Center for Education Assessment. Neither would exist without Dr. Smith.

Dr. Smith began his career in education as a teacher, became a principal, and continued to advance until his retirement. His extensive list of accomplishments can be seen in his vita. (Link to Dr. Smith’s Vita.)

Dr. Smith’s work as a Dean, leadership in AACTE, work with NCATE, and continued educational presence in retirement has included the evolution of TEAS© in its current form. In my 35 years of information systems experience I have never seen an information system as sophisticated as TEAS© that was developed by a system owner. Leaders at Dr. Smith’s level just don’t have the energy, breath of knowledge, and dedication to the job that enable them to create management information systems for their own use. While Dr. Smith served as a Dean of Education he designed, implemented, and utilized TEAS. Part of Dr. Smith’s work with TEAS included giving free versions to over 200 educators in conjunction with dozens of presentations on education assessment.

The Center for Education Assessment was created to enhance, expand, and follow through with Dr. Smith’s work on teacher education assessment. Obviously Dr. Smith no longer needs to cover the teacher education assessment beat. His work continues, however, through the Center for Education Assessment.

Earl Smith, President
Center for Education Assessment