Tennessee Education Lottery Educator of the Week: Smith
HUMBOLDT, Tenn. — It is time to introduce this week’s Educator of the Week from Humboldt, presented by the Tennessee Education Lottery. Cynthia Smith says a sense of devotion and care to push her seventh-graders to never give up will allow them to succeed beyond their potential. “My favorite part is the interaction with the students,” Smith said. “I’ve taught PE for a long time, so I really like to be active with the students. Hands-on activities, that’s probably my favorite part of the day, when they get that “ah ha” moment or when they really get something.” Smith, a teacher of 22 years, three of which have been at Humboldt Middle School, is an alumna of Middle Tennessee State University. “I had a high school science teacher who was my mentor,” Smith said. “Mrs. Thompson, she’s passed now. Also I was really interested in basketball and softball growing up. My coaches are people that I looked up to. I was interested in following in their footsteps.” Smith says the job has its challenges, especially when teaching science, physical education and computer literacy all in one day. “The challenges would definitely be organization and moving from one place to the other,” Smith said. “But the positive part of that is that it makes the day go fast. I get to see a lot of different students. I get to see students from all different grade levels and from all over the school.” Smith says she hopes her kids continue to gain a sense of good work ethic and attitude, which will take them far in life. “Don’t make excuses. Always look at how you can get better at something,” Smith said. Smith will be eligible for the state-wide Tennessee Education Lottery Educator of the Month award. To vote for her or any of the other nominees, go to seehowitaddsup.com. To nominate a teacher for our weekly award, email us at educator@wbbjtv.com.
