New Teacher Profile: Ms. Smith

While many educators decide on their profession after drawing inspiration from their own teachers, Stacie Smith’s motivation was opposite.

“My seventh grade science teacher sat at his desk and read the newspaper every single day and then yelled at kids for not being able to memorize things out of the book. I was good at memorizing, but I felt terrible for all of the other kids who hated science, because I loved it and thought it was interesting,” Smith said. “I just thought I could do better. I didn’t want students to have to go through a bad situation.”

Smith will teach Earth and Space Science and Physical Science, bringing 17 years of experience to City High from working at Northwest Junior High.

“I was interested in working in a building where learning is important and where students work hard, and it’s a community here,” Smith said. “It’s a family feel, not only the teachers, but the students.”

Outside of school, Smith enjoys spending time going to football games, playing volleyball, and listening to live music, as well as spending time with her family.

Smith described her philosophy towards teaching as giving students the tools that they need to be productive learners and fostering positive relationships with students.

“I try to meet students where they’re at and give them what they need to succeed,” Smith said. “My biggest goal is to make students feel like they have a job in my room. I have one task and they have another, but together that’s where learning happens.”