Donna Smith

                                             

It’s been a while! I need to be more consistent with this project but I also accept that life gets in the way sometimes and that’s ok!

Our next feature is a blast from the past for me: Ms. Donna Smith! Ms. Smith was my fourth grade teacher and I remember growing so much that year. Ms. Smith made sure we knew what her expectations were but she always made sure she knew we were loved. She planted the seeds for me to become a questioner and offered me opportunities to critically engage with the world around me and its history. Two memories always stand out in my mind: 1) when she made me rewrite my analysis on the North and South during the American Civil War because she recognized I could bring more nuance to it and 2) when she taught decoding a text for its main idea like a boss! As a secondary educator, I am in awe of anyone who can create such a rich learning environment in elementary school. 

Ms. Donna Smith is motivated by the unique potential of every child’s ability to achieve academic success through rigorous yet relevant educational practices and instruction.  She is qualified in facilitating and evaluating developmentally appropriate academic instruction to ensure optimal student achievement.  Born in Washington, DC, Donna has 28 years of teaching experience in grades K-12 that includes special education, general education as well as English as a second language.  She received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Education and a Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction.  Currently living in Los Angeles, California and employed with the Los Angeles Unified School District; Donna holds an Education Specialist Credential in special education and teaches English and history to high school special education students with mild to moderate disabilities; she is also the SSPT (student support progress team) coordinator.  Prior to her experience teaching at the high school level, Donna served as middle school special education department chairperson for the Las Virgenes Unified School District in Calabasas, California.  Her wealth of knowledge and experience as an educator working with students and families from various cultures and economic backgrounds has prompted her evolution to improve education by seeking current educational trends, research, and innovations.  As an advocate for academically challenged students, Ms. Smith’s purpose is to provide the best practices by exalting all viable solutions to ensure an equitable education for a mutually beneficial experience.

1.    WHY DID YOU CHOOSE TO BECOME AN EDUCATOR?

During the summers while in high school I taught swim lessons; I enjoyed the fulfillment as children learned to swim knowing that this was something I helped them do.  Teaching someone a skill and watching them attain a goal is why I decided to become a teacher.  I realized that I could also make a difference in helping students academically.

 

2.     DO YOU HAVE A MEMORY FROM YOUR CAREER THAT STANDS OUT?

When my very first kindergarten and first students began reading.  The joy they expressed was absolutely priceless.  It’s been 27 years and I can still see the smiles on their faces and feel the excitement in their hearts.

 

3.     WHAT BIG IDEAS FOR CHANGES DO YOU ENVISION IN EDUCATION?

This may not be a big idea for change in education as it is for the economy, yet it impacts education.  This is not new issue; however,

 

I envision equality in school funding; currently, in Los Angeles, California 58% of school funding comes from property taxes, 9% comes from federal and 32% from other local sources.  Lower taxes on property in urban or low-income neighborhoods don’t provide enough money to solicit the necessary resources for students.  Poorer neighborhoods have lower property taxes; therefore, schools are not able to provide adequate resources and current technology/computers that would give those students the same academic advantages.  The property taxes in prominent neighborhoods are much higher and afford better resources.  Title One funds are not enough; I believe that living in a economically disadvantaged neighborhood should not limit one's academic potential.

 

4.     WHAT DOES YOUR SELF-CARE LOOK LIKE?

My self-care includes walks on the beach, horse backing riding, reading, journaling and yoga/Pilates.