About Mrs. Smith
One of my life passions is teaching! I love my job and feel proud to be working with the terrific staff, supportive families and excellent students of ECC.
I have been teaching at ECC for twenty-one years. I began my time here working as a student teacher. The following year I was hired as the K-2nd grade music consultant and was also the K-6th grade reading intervention teacher. After that year, I was thrilled to be hired as a full-time third grade teacher! I spent my first several years teaching third grade and then took an opportunity to transfer to fourth grade. I have since moved back to third am am enjoying the change! I love teaching third graders because the curriculum is rich, the age group is so enjoyable to work with, and it is a year of such tremendous growth and independence.
I encourage my students to take responsibility for themselves and for their learning, while providing a positive and nurturing environment. I work diligently to plan enjoyable and educational activities and projects throughout the year to meet the needs of each of my students. I believe in positive feedback and guidance to help children achieve success. I strongly encourage each parent to participate in their child’s learning and believe the parent/teacher team is a necessary factor for true academic success. I enjoy helping my students both academically and socially, and take pride in their achievements. Most of all, I find inspiration from my students and humble myself with the fact that I learn so much from them!
Education
My husband, Kevin, and I are both native-born southern Californians. We enjoy taking advantage of all the activities in this beautiful area that we are so fortunate to call home. We have two wonderful boys, Merrick and Everett. Merrick is a junior and Everett is in 8th grade. They are both active in sports and other extra curricular activities, so they keep us quite busy! We also have some amazing pets. Ginger is our nine-year-old basenji/chihuahua mix who worked as a therapy dog in my classroom for eight years. Lincoln, our orange tabby cat, keeps us busy with all his mischief! If you can't find us at the beach or out at a youth sporting event, we're most likely working on our 26 year old home in Olde Carlsbad. It's a labor of love! I also enjoy working in my yard, music, exercising, cooking, shopping, and hanging with family and friends!
I have been teaching at ECC for twenty-one years. I began my time here working as a student teacher. The following year I was hired as the K-2nd grade music consultant and was also the K-6th grade reading intervention teacher. After that year, I was thrilled to be hired as a full-time third grade teacher! I spent my first several years teaching third grade and then took an opportunity to transfer to fourth grade. I have since moved back to third am am enjoying the change! I love teaching third graders because the curriculum is rich, the age group is so enjoyable to work with, and it is a year of such tremendous growth and independence.
I encourage my students to take responsibility for themselves and for their learning, while providing a positive and nurturing environment. I work diligently to plan enjoyable and educational activities and projects throughout the year to meet the needs of each of my students. I believe in positive feedback and guidance to help children achieve success. I strongly encourage each parent to participate in their child’s learning and believe the parent/teacher team is a necessary factor for true academic success. I enjoy helping my students both academically and socially, and take pride in their achievements. Most of all, I find inspiration from my students and humble myself with the fact that I learn so much from them!
Education
- Masters in Education with a specialization in Technology Integration from National University
- B.A. in Music from San Diego State University
- Visual and Performing Arts Cohort (EUSD)
- CGI training (Cognitive Guided Instruction in mathematical problem solving – EUSD)
- Multiple Subject CLAD Teaching Credential - California State University San Marcos
- Certificate in Guitar Performance - Musician’s Institute, Hollywood
My husband, Kevin, and I are both native-born southern Californians. We enjoy taking advantage of all the activities in this beautiful area that we are so fortunate to call home. We have two wonderful boys, Merrick and Everett. Merrick is a junior and Everett is in 8th grade. They are both active in sports and other extra curricular activities, so they keep us quite busy! We also have some amazing pets. Ginger is our nine-year-old basenji/chihuahua mix who worked as a therapy dog in my classroom for eight years. Lincoln, our orange tabby cat, keeps us busy with all his mischief! If you can't find us at the beach or out at a youth sporting event, we're most likely working on our 26 year old home in Olde Carlsbad. It's a labor of love! I also enjoy working in my yard, music, exercising, cooking, shopping, and hanging with family and friends!