Third grade's the charm: DIS Teacher of the Year finds education sweet spot

As an elementary school teacher, Wendy Smith could be mistaken for a newbie. No, she never has that deer-in-headlights look or makes the tactical errors of a rookie. She just seems to have the energy, drive, and fresh-faced optimism of someone straight out of higher learning, ready to take on the world, one precious student at a time. Of all the reasons she was nominated for – and recently won – Daniel Island School’s (DIS) Teacher of the Year, this spirit of hers could very well be the most compelling. It is certainly the most endearing.

Smith and 41 of her colleagues in the district were honored at the annual BCSD Teacher of the Year Breakfast at Trident Technical College on Friday, April 15. Originally from Delaware, she attended Penn State University for undergrad and had the unique opportunity to complete her student teaching internship in partnership with The University College Chichester in Bognor Regis, England. Smith then went on to earn her master’s degree at Charleston Southern University. This school year marks her eleventh as an educator, and her tenth at Daniel Island School, where she currently teaches third grade.

Closer proximity to her in-laws, as well as the draw of raising their own family in the Charleston area, brought Smith and her husband, Michael, from the northeast to the Lowcountry. Today, they live in Hanahan and have two children: seven year-old Jessica (a first grader at DIS) and five year-old Michael.

We visited Mrs. Smith’s classroom and got some pretty clear insight as to how she came to be the DIS 2016 Teacher of the Year.

Daniel Island News: Which third grade subjects do you currently teach? How has your approach to these subjects changed since you first started teaching them?

Wendy Smith: I currently teach math, science, and social studies, which I absolutely love. On the surface, my approach to teaching these subjects continues to evolve each year with new standards, new curriculum materials, and new testing. However, the essence of teaching - to the best of my ability meeting the needs of my group of students - has not changed. I approach each day with a “how can I help/improve ___” mentality. I strive to engage students in learning and to foster individual growth. This year, my students use Chromebooks regularly, which has made engaging students and fostering this individual growth much easier. We are able to access and communicate information much more efficiently than ever before. It feels revolutionary.

DIN: Every grade has its own special attributes, but what little bit of magic happens in the third grade?

WS: Most children seem to complete their transition from “learning to read” to “reading to learn” by the start of third grade. This is very exciting because it’s a big step toward independence.

DIN: It’s the question every non-educator wants to know: How do you get up on those mornings when you’re extra tired, maybe a little under the weather, perhaps feeling a little blue or cranky, and face dozens of eight year-olds with an optimistic face and energetic spirit?

WS: Once the kids come down the hall with their backpacks on, ready for the day, any problem or feeling that you had non-related to those eight year-olds goes out the door. They are genuinely happy to see you each morning, and honestly it’s nearly impossible to not feel genuinely happy to see them in return. On days when I’m feeling especially tired or cranky, I focus on the good things I see happening around the room. I see children trying their best for me, and I can’t imagine not trying my best for them.

DIN: Where were you when you learned you were being recognized as Teacher of the Year? How did you celebrate?

WS: Mrs. French (DIS principal) and Mrs. Shaw (DIS vice principal for grades third through fifth) came down to my classroom close to the end of the day with flowers and a gift. I wasn’t sure at first whether that meant that I had won or lost. Then, from my classroom phone, Mrs. French made the announcement to the whole school that I had won Teacher of the Year. My students were cheering and hugging me. Soon some of my fellow teachers came in for a congratulatory hug. I can’t imagine a better way to celebrate!

DIN: Receiving that mark of distinction is a significant achievement. Are you a goal-setter in general, or do you take more of a just-do-my-best-everyday approach to your career?

WS: I am definitely more a just-do-my-best-everyday kind of person. Receiving this kind of recognition does, however, give me a boost of confidence and energy that I feel will help me take my teaching to the next level.