Educator of the Week: Lyndsay Smotherman
ADAMSVILLE, Tenn. — It’s time now to recognize our Educator of the Week, brought to you by the Tennessee Education Lottery.
Lyndsay Smotherman is the librarian at West Hardin Elementary School.
She shares what made her want to pursue a career in education.
“My mother is an educator, and she inspired me,” Smotherman said. “I just love getting kids excited about learning things, and I just wanted to instill that love in them.”
Smotherman has been in education for 10 years, but taught middle school English for 4 1/2 years before she ended up at West Hardin.
She shares her favorite part of teaching.
“I love in this position specifically now, when I can help a child find a book that they truly enjoy and love reading. That’s so exciting for me. And then to see them want to continue pursuing books like that, that they enjoy, that’s what’s really exciting for me to see,” she said.
She tells us how she tries to relate to all of her students.
“I just try my best to relate to them. And with that range of age, sometimes it’s hard, you know, with the older kids, it’s, you know, what are they interested in? With the younger kids, you know, it’s, you know, being silly and having fun with them and just using the silly voices and when you’re reading a book and stuff. So it’s just whatever age group it is, you’re just meeting them at that level, and you’re just trying to get them excited about whatever it is you’re talking about.”
She ends by sharing her gratitude for winning Educator of the Week.
“I’m still in shock, and I don’t — it’s not really clicked with me yet that this is really happening, but I’m so honored and so flattered and so appreciative, but I’m very excited and very happy and honored. Thank you so much.”
Smotherman is now eligible for the Tennessee Education Lottery Educator of the Month award.
To vote for her or any other nominees, go to the Tennessee Education Lottery website.
To nominate an educator for our Educator of the Week award, email us at educator@wbbjtv.com.
