Stacy Smith

Tell us why you became a teacher

I became a teacher so I can inspire students to love reading and writing. I know that when I was young I really struggled with reading and writing. I felt like no one ever broke down the steps in an easy way for me to understand. I feel like knowing this limitation has allowed me to really understand and examine a student’s strengths and weaknesses, so that I can help every student on an individual basis. This allows me to be rigorous and challenge my students to always aim for the next skill le

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

My most memorable teaching moment is when I had two students competing to give the commencement speech at their graduation ceremony. Both were great candidates and deserved the position, but the principal would only choose one. The student who didn’t receive the opportunity was always coming 2nd to the other student. I encouraged her to write up a plan and take it to the principal to advocate for herself and why her speech should be delivered at the ceremony. She earned the opportunity to speak.

What would you do with the $25,000?

I would take my dad on his dream vacation because he has been struggling with pancreatic cancer since March of 2021 and he was told that his only options are to try clinical trials since the chemo is no longer working. I would use the rest of the money to help my students attend the senior trip who are economically disadvantaged.