About Our School

J.R. Smith Administration

Name: Ms. Tiffany Root, Principal
Email Address: tiffany.root@wasatch.edu
Phone number: 435-654-2201

Meet Our Principal

J.R. Smith Elementary is thrilled to introduce its principal, who brings a deep-rooted passion for education and a lifelong connection to our community. Born and raised in the beautiful Heber Valley, she is a proud graduate of Wasatch High School and has dedicated the past 10 years to serving students and families within the Wasatch County School District.
Her educator journey includes teaching 4th and 5th grades at both O.M.E. and J.R. Smith Elementary. For the past four years, she served as the Teacher on Special Assignment at J.R. Smith. These roles have allowed her to build meaningful relationships with students, staff, and families while deepening her appreciation for this incredible community.
Her connection to J.R. Smith is personal as well as professional; she is a proud school parent whose son will be attending 2nd grade here this fall. Navigating the school system as both an educator and a parent gives her a unique understanding of the trust families place in schools each day. She is deeply committed to ensuring every child feels safe, supported, valued, and challenged to grow.
Outside of school, she loves taking advantage of the local landscape—enjoying outdoor activities like camping, hiking, skiing, and running—and above all, cherishing time spent with her family.
Education and service are at the heart of who she is. She is passionate about fostering a school culture where every student is known, every family feels welcomed, and every member of the community experiences a true sense of belonging. Believing that each child brings unique strengths and gifts to the classroom, she is dedicated to helping all students reach their full potential while supporting continuous learning and growth for both students and staff. She is deeply honored to serve as principal and looks forward to partnering with families to make this an exceptional school year.

Mission Statement: Ensure high levels of learning for all Pathfinders!

Vision: To become a high-performing Professional Learning Community that is recognized as a model for others by building the collective capacity of our staff to ensure high levels of learning for every student in our diverse community.

We believe:

  • All Students can learn at high levels.

  • All students want to be successful.

  • With the right support, teachers are able to meet the needs of all students.

  • All students add value to our community.

  • Our school community has thoughts and values that contribute to our success.

  • Behaviors are an outward expression of unmet needs.