Our May 2021 Teacher of the Month winner received a sightseeing cruise for 4 from Pure Florida, teaching supplies from Marco Office Supply, a gift certificate to Shangri-La Springs Spa, and other prizes from local businesses. Michelle Smith is an ESE teacher at Lehigh Senior High School in Lee County. Here’s an excerpt from her nomination: “Mrs. Smith has a passion and a zest for teaching. She is also in tune with her families. She is proactive in checking in, helping out, and listening to her students, their families, and her colleagues. Mrs. Smith takes the time to build a sense of community in her learning environment. She is an exceptional educator that impacts your student’s life like no other.”
Where are you from? I am originally from Burton, Mich., and have been living in Lehigh Acres for 23 years, after a teaching opportunity brought me here.
Tell us about your family. This July, my husband Larry and I will celebrate our 20th wedding anniversary. Together we have a son, Matthew, who is finishing 8th grade and is an Eagle Scout candidate. I also have a stepson, Brad, and stepdaughter, Stephanie, from my husband’s first marriage. With them I gained a future daughter-in-law, Christine, a son-in-law, Brandon, and a grandson, Lucas.
When did you know you wanted to be a teacher? I knew by middle school that I wanted to be there for students who felt they couldn’t talk to their parents. I came from a single parent home and was an only child who often confided in my teachers.
Where did you go to college? I attended Central Michigan University and graduated in 1997 with a major in special education and a double minor in psychology and industrial arts.
How did you decide on your teaching specialty? While at the university I began working with our Industrial Engineering Technology Club, which brought in local students with intellectual disabilities. We would make jigs for them to use the power tools and create a variety of projects. I fell in love working with this population and changed my major in my junior year.
What is your favorite part of teaching these students? My favorite part of teaching students with intellectual disabilities is they remind me not to take life too seriously, to love with all my heart, and appreciate the little things in life. They teach me every day how to live!
How has COVID-19 made your job harder, easier, or more creative? I expected it to all be so much harder than it ended up being. Skills I wasn’t sure my students would be able to do on the computer, they learned very quickly. We have spent most of this year learning more technology together, exploring various websites, and learning to do research.
What have been your favorite teacher appreciation gifts? I always love a card from parents and students expressing their appreciation. I keep them around my room to remind me of the difference I make. I always appreciate a gift card to Dunkin Donuts or Starbucks, but my favorite tangible gift I’ve received is a blanket from one of my students. I use it nightly and it travels everywhere with me.
What do you like to do in your free time? I’m a BSA assistant scout master and Aktion BOLTS/Best Buddies advisor, and I help in the community where I can. I love camping, kayaking, and being out in nature. Traveling to new places is also a passion of mine.