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Poplar Bluff kindergarten teacher Christy Smith has been guiding young minds for 28 years.
“I taught at Clearwater for 22 years,” explained Smith, “I have been here at the (Poplar Bluff) kindergarten center now for six years, so this year will be my seventh and final year unless I change my mind.”
This year, Smith is being recognized not only as the Elementary Teacher of the Year but also the District Teacher of the Year for Poplar Bluff.
Smith attended Three Rivers College from 1991-1993, where she earned her Associate of Arts degree in psychology. She went on to attend Central Methodist University in Park Hills between 1993-1995 and finally earned a Master of Elementary Education degree from Southwest Baptist University in 1998.
Smith said she always wanted to be a teacher, “as far back as I can remember.” She went on to explain she had her own children at a young age so the teaching schedule worked well for her while raising children.
Smith is loved by students, parents and co-workers alike who all describe her as a positive student influence as well as a kind, compassionate teacher.
“Christy is incredibly kind — to her students, to the parents of her students, to her colleagues and community members. She has a gentle and positive spirit about her that definitely encourages individuals in her presence,” wrote parent and colleague Christy Johnson in a nomination letter included in information presented to the selection committee.
Parent Brooke Alcorn wrote, “She has a unique gift of being able to control her classroom while remaining calm and mild-mannered.”
Student letters shared the same sentiment of love for the longtime teacher.
Lincoln Dudley wrote about his appreciation for the encouragement he has seen academically.
“Mrs. Smith is the best teacher because she keeps us safe. She makes us do our best work,” he said.
Meanwhile, Cooper Nelson values the learning experiences spent outside the classroom setting.
“Mrs. Smith taught me how to read. She makes me happy. I liked when she took us to the library. I am happy she is my teacher,” he wrote.
The best part of teaching kindergarten, for Smith, is seeing her students grow throughout the year.
“We have some, that when they come in they don’t know how to hold the pencil and by the end of the year, like right now, they are writing stories,” Smith said with a smile. “I don’t know if there is any grade level that sees that kind of growth.
“I think reading, writing and math, of course, all of those curriculum areas are very important, but I think equally important is character — teaching them how to be a good person.”
In Smith’s nomination, she is said to be not only an outstanding educator with great love for her students but also a valued and accomplished member of her family, school and community.
For Smith, what makes teaching kindergarten so special is “everything is a teachable moment. They are 5, so we are where it all starts, they are still learning how things work and how to be away from parents in the school setting.”
This is the first in an occasional series recognizing area Outstanding Educators.