Person of the Week: Marjorie Smith

There is a well-known fact in the teaching profession:  the first couple of years of teaching will either make or break the longevity of a person’s career. Marjorie Smith of Arnold Elementary School (AES) works very hard to make sure new teachers are supported and have the confidence and knowledge it takes to have a successful beginning.

Smith teaches first grade at Arnold Elementary. She followed Rosemary Biggart, AES principal, from Maryland City Elementary School a few years ago. Smith, her husband, (a Capitol Police officer), her son and daughter now live in Arnold.

“I absolutely love the school and community,” said Smith. “We have met more student needs here than I have ever seen because parents are so helpful and supportive.”

Smith was nominated for Anne Arundel County Teacher of the Year by her colleagues for her leadership in the school, as well as her incredible efforts to “pay it forward” and help her fellow educators become more effective in the classroom.

In the past, she has been a mentor teacher to new teaching candidates from Towson University, Anne Arundel Community College, and the College of Notre Dame. Currently she is site coordinator for the College of Notre Dame, allowing her to monitor the success and provide support to teachers that come to AES.

“I am really the first step of the process when they are experiencing a problem. Teaching is hard and presents many challenges to new candidates,” she explained.

Smith is also involved with training her colleagues at the school. She is the new site coordinator for a new county-wide instructional initiative titled “Thinking Maps,” served as the school rep for the Teachers Association of Anne Arundel County, serves as the K-2 team leader, served on the School Improvement Team, and works with the county’s Foster Grandparent program who provide tutoring help during the school day.

She enjoys taking on these kinds of leadership positions and is considering school administration in the future, when her children get older and a little more independent.

Until now, she is happy in the classroom. “I just love being a teacher,” Smith said. “There are some days you go home exhausted and wonder why you do it everyday, but to me, the job is very fulfilling.”