Eric L. Stewart

Eric L. Stewart, 1983 – Eric Stewart is principal of Smart’s Mill Middle School in Loudoun County, Virginia. He has been principal there since the school opened in 2004. Currently, Smart’s Mill has 944 students in grades 6-8 and is one of 13 middle schools in Loudon County.

Eric was a high school varsity athlete in track and cross country and a National Honor Society member. After graduating from North, he headed south attending the University of Kentucky where he earned a bachelor’s degree in Secondary Education. He then went to George Mason University in Virginia for his master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction.

He began his career as a high school math teacher in Loudoun County Public Schools, which serves over 59,000 students. He soon embarked on an administrative track in Loudoun, serving as a high school dean, middle school assistant principal, and elementary school principal before assuming his current position. In 2007, he was named Loudon County’s Principal of the Year and received the Washington Post Distinguished Leadership Award. Those who nominated him for these prestigious honors cited his commitment and dedication to children, instruction, and his staff. He is known to preface every discussion or decision with, “is this best for kids?” and is recognized for his ability to empower the people around him, young and old alike.

Eric has been a presenter at the National Middle School Association national conference and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools addressing such topics as school climate and opening a new school. He also serves as an adjunct professor at his alma mater, George Mason University.