Kimberly Smith

After teaching for 8 years, I am now a Teacher on Assignment specializing in Curriculum Support and Instructional Coaching. I'm really enjoying the new position as I am able to work with kids and teachers in every grade level. It's eye-opening (in a positive way) to see what's going on in each of the grade levels (preschool-6th grade) and with the Common Core. Prior to becoming a coach, I taught 2nd grade for two and a half years and 4th grade for five years. I have always known that I wanted to teach and am so glad that I followed through with it. I am very fortunate to have a job and school I love. During two of my years teaching 4th grade, I was also given the opportunity to teach GATE students (Gifted and Talented), which was a lot of fun and a great learning experience. In the two years I taught GATE students, our school decided to try out "Coring" or a "Block Schedule" where I focused on math, science, and writing. This gave me the chance to teach not only my GATE students, but also a general ed class with a cluster of 7 gifted students in that class as well. I learned quickly that differentiation was key that year (as it always should be), and I also had to be quick on my toes. I loved it, but it was a lot of work! My second year of working with this schedule, my class was also given a class set of iPads, so that also added to my learning as a teacher. There's so much you can do with technology!

I love using Kagan Structures/Cooperative Learning whenever possible. I love to have my students move around and communicate using complete sentences and academic language. It allows the kids to stay engaged in the lesson, and get the opportunity to explain their thinking and reasoning to their peers. Additionally, I like to bring in GATE techniques such as Depth and Complexity prompts and Puzzlements whenever possible. I try to make every moment a teachable moment and love to interrelate subject areas whenever possible. I believe it's very important to use humor in my teaching to keep the kids engaged and having fun. I believe that every student CAN learn and I try to vary my teaching techniques and strategies depending on the lesson and on the kids. I try my best to remain positive at all times and know that my students are looking up to me as their role model, so that stops me from getting too angry with the few (or 10) students who adore pushing your buttons!

I have a Bachelor of Science Degree in Child and Adolescent Studies from Cal State Fullerton and a Multiple Subjects Credential and Masters in Education from the University of La Verne. I was just awarded Employee of the Year (2015-2016) which was definitely a great honor!

Cal State Fullerton: 4.5 years, Graduated Spring 2004 University of La Verne: 2 years, Graduated Spring 2007 Trained in Kagan Cooperative Learning, GATE Certified, iPads, and Learning Headquarters Writing.

I have given several trainings on how to incorporate cooperative learning strategies in the classroom. In August of 2015, I will become a Teacher on Assignment at my school, specifically specializing in Curriculum Development and Instructional Coaching. I'm excited to start this new chapter in my Education story!