Cherese Smith - 2017 Teacher of the Year
Cherese Smith - 2017 Teacher of the Year
Ozark Junior High School ~ Ozark, Arkansas
ALA President Mary Ellen Borgelt and Sue Patterson present Cherese Smith the ALA 2017 Middle School TOY Award and check.
Cherese Smith, ALA Law-Related Education Middle School Teacher of the Year, teaches four classes of eighth grade Social Studies/ Arkansas History and two classes of Economics/Civics at Ozark Junior High School in Ozark, Arkansas.
She has earned the respect of her students, fellow educators and administrators by being truly dedicated to the belief that students can achieve no matter what their circumstances. Teaching in a Title 1, high poverty school, stimulates her to create a learning environment that will help her students have respect for the law and an understanding of their rights and privileges in their society.
Local community representatives of the legal system are invited to engage with her students. Letters are sent to state government officials to create authentic connections and problem solving skills for their lives. Through field trips (which she funds with numerous grants) and creative study of civics and economics, these fortunate students will become prepared to be positive participants in their community and the world beyond.
Her colleagues have stated. “…she orchestrates with excitement of ‘minds-on’ and ‘hands-on’ discovery of the learning process.” Her principal writes, ” Ms.
Smith consistently exceeds my highest expectations for classroom planning and instruction.”
Because of the educational success she has achieved, she is the Professional Learning Community Instructional team facilitator, which ensures a wider circle of quality teaching and learning.
Ms. Smith has also been honored with numerous awards including the 20016 C-Span Educator Award, and the James H. Atkinson Award for Excellence in the Teaching of Arkansas History.
Cherese wrote, “The ALA is a wonderful group of concerned individuals from all over the country who make civic education a real priority. I am honored the ALA chose me as their 2017 Middle School Teacher of the Year. Our combined mission is to help today’s students become informed citizens of tomorrow!”
Cherese and Kelly Smith are the proud parents of seven-year-old Joah. Sharing family time and enjoying experiences with her husband and son are at the top of her list along with traveling, reading and sports.