I've been a teacher in District Eleven since 1992, being at Carver Elementary School most of those years. Throughout the years, including student teaching, I've taught every elementary grade except for First Grade. My favorite part about teaching is supporting students with growing their confidence, letting them know how important they are, and experiencing their growth.

My dad was in the Army. Because of this, I spent all of my elementary years in Germany, living in Heidelberg, Mannheim, and Worms. (The W makes a "V" sound in the German language.) It was an amazing place to grow up. The German language was taught in school, and although I haven't had the opportunity to practice speaking German very often as of late, I still remember a few words and phrases. As a student, I took fieldtrips throughout Germany visiting museums, cathedrals, German schools, and I even had an opportunity for a school-sponsored week-long field trip, spending the nights in a youth hostel (a place where people, especially young people, can stay cheaply for short periods when they are travelling). One of the best parts of our field trips, was riding the trains to get our destinations.

I've lived in Colorado since 1981 when my dad retired here. I went to Watson Junior High and Widefield Hish School. I attended Pikes Peak Community College for two years and then graduated from Adams State College. I received my Master's Degree from Lesley University. I continue to learn, taking classes, participating in book studies, and researching online. The lastest class I've taken had to do with the brain and memory. I LOVE growing my brain!!

I enjoy reading, drawing, painting, writing, and I love Dalmatians. I've had the pleasure of raising 7 of them and have loved each and every one of their unique personalities. I've included a link to a Dalmatian video on my website. Although it's not a video of Dalmatians I've owned, it still makes my heart smile. I also enjoy being outdoors. My favorite place is up in the mountains where I can be surrounded by nature and its peace.

I'd love to hear if we have any connections or similarities, so feel free to strike up a conversation. There's nothing better than making connections with others.

Miss M. Smith