smithingifted

I am an experienced educator with 20+ years in education, including classroom teaching, gifted education, instructional leadership, and school administration. I currently serve as a 3rd–5th-grade Gifted and Talented teacher, where I design rigorous, hands-on learning experiences that challenge students to think critically, create, collaborate, and solve real-world problems. My teaching experience includes developing project-based STEM and STEAM lessons, robotics and coding activities, inquiry-based research projects, gifted curriculum, and enrichment opportunities for advanced learners. I incorporate tools such as Dash robots, micro:bits, Hummingbird robotics, Scratch, Tinkercad, makerspace materials, chess, math problem-solving, engineering design challenges, and AI-supported learning to help students build confidence, creativity, and perseverance. In addition to classroom teaching, I have served as an Assistant Principal, AVID Coordinator, Gifted Case Manager, and professional development presenter. These roles have strengthened my ability to support diverse learners, coach teachers, lead schoolwide initiatives, manage student needs, and design instruction that is both meaningful and challenging. My approach to teaching is rooted in hands-on learning, curiosity, innovation, and student voice. I believe gifted students need opportunities to explore big ideas, ask complex questions, build products, test solutions, and connect learning to the world around them.