Theresa Smith was recently named the Teacher of the Year in the Hartland Consolidated Schools District.
Smith — who is completing her 12th year in the district — started her teaching career in Goodrich in 1997. She graduated from Mercyhurst University in Erie, Penn., with 8 credits through Boston University in Madrid, Spain. She also has 20 credits in studio art from Eastern Michigan University, a master’s degree in Spanish from EMU, as well as 30 credits through Learners Edge, including a certificate in Special Populations.
Here is a quick Q&A with her:
When did you know you wanted to be a teacher?
Always. When I was very young I wanted to be a nun/teacher because I had toured the convent and knew they each got their own room. I also liked the idea of playing the guitar and cutting out felt shapes for storyboards. That image clearly changed over the years, but my excitement for language, story-telling, music, drawing, and problem-solving has only grown deeper over time.
How did you decide to become a Spanish teacher?
I began my college studies with the intention to earn degrees in Special Education and Elementary Education. Within the first year I found myself aching for more Spanish and Art classes. At eighteen years old I simply wasn’t done learning in either of those areas. The decision to become certified to teach both subjects was a practical decision. Although I consider myself a romantic idealist, I knew that teachers lost jobs when programs were cut.
You also have incredible art skills and can frequently be seen backstage in many productions. Tell us more and what else you do outside of school.
Yes, our second daughter was involved in the Hartland Encore Youth Theater and that is where I discovered set painting. I followed her as she participated in productions at the high school and have continued to enjoy painting sets. It feels like you are inside of a painting that has come to life as you walk around the stage and add color. I also enjoy growing and drawing plants. Most of my time until very recently has included driving my own children to events, practices, games, lessons, and rehearsals. My favorite activity is building a fire in our woodstove and talking to anyone who happens to be home.
Was there a special teacher who really influenced you?
Since I have always wanted to be a teacher, there is not one that specifically inspired me to join the profession. When I was a student in Sister Anita and Mrs. Winkler’s Spanish classes in high school, however, I was encouraged to memorize Spanish poetry and appreciate the Spanish language and literature. My college professor Dr. Alice Edwards continued to broaden that appreciation. She also opened doors for me to visit Mexico and to study in Spain. All three of them were teachers who I felt cared about me as a person through transitional times in my life.
What advice would you give a new teacher or someone going into teaching?
Listen to and learn from the older teachers in your building who love teaching. Be honest with them about the struggles you are having. The first years are very difficult and you will need your guiding lights. Find more than one mentor so you can have different perspectives. Laminate less paper. No one needs more plastic in the world. When you are tired or sad, share your favorite book, story, or song with your students. They will be able to tell that you love it and you will have a great day.
What’s the most memorable or favorite moment of your career?
This is a ridiculously difficult question. An easy answer would be our Spanish department trip to Costa Rica in the summer of 2019. Thanks to teacher Amy Szabo’s leadership and Lindsey Wagstaff’s attention to detail, it was a successful journey for over 40 Hartland students and 5 teachers. It was a pleasure to experience our students’ bravery and politeness at work in the wider world.
