Building Resilience: How Melissa Smith Shapes her Students’ Lives for the Better

Greenville Elementary School Principal Dee Downs was all praise for the Dragons’ Teacher of the Year. “Melissa Smith truly embodies the best qualities of all teachers,” he shared. “She deeply loves her students and consistently holds them to ambitious expectations.”

This is quite the praise, but Smith lives up to it. Her resource classroom is a haven of peace, warmed by her gentle, thoughtful demeanor. As two rowdy second-graders entered her space, their energy was tempered by their obvious adoration for their teacher. Under her care, their wiggles became an enthusiastic focus on learning. 

Smith celebrates Resource as an environment where she’s able to focus on rich connections with students. “I love teaching Special Education,” she said. “There’s such an impact on individual students. I get to see their little improvements, to break down the deficits they face and build them back up to where they can be.”

Working with students of vastly differing temperaments and learning styles is a challenge, but one Smith cherishes. It is obvious from the tranquil environment in her room that she’s locked into a style that works for her and brings out the best in her students. After 11 years of teaching, she’s certainly had the practice! 

Smith may not have always planned on teaching Resource, but education was in her heart from the very early stages of her life. “My mom was in education,” she said, “so growing up, I saw the impact she had and how much joy it brought her. Once I was in school myself, I had some really great teachers. They made an impact on my life and showed me what I was capable of. And I wanted to be able to do that for others.”

Entering college, she intended to take that desire for impact into a general education elementary classroom. But during student teaching practicums, she changed her mind. “During my practicum, I was able to try Special Ed,” she shared. “Throughout my student teaching, I realized I liked it more.”

She’s worked in Mild-to-Moderate Resource ever since, and says she wouldn’t trade it for anything. After her marriage, she brought her passion and talents to Greenville Elementary School, and the Dragons are thrilled to have her.

“Melissa skillfully builds and fosters a growth mindset in her classroom, constantly uplifting and encouraging others to reach their full potential,” Principal Downs praised. “Beyond her classroom, she is a wonderful teammate who would willingly do anything for her colleagues, making her an invaluable asset to the entire school community.”

Her colleagues agree. “Melissa is an amazing mentor,” one shared. “I love working with her every day.”

The feeling is mutual. “I have an amazing team,” Smith shared. “I love sharing this classroom with my other resource teacher, and collaborating with our team has helped me grow and improve as a teacher.

A student entering her classroom was delighted to hear that his teacher had won the award. “I love Mrs. Smith,” he said. “She’s the best teacher ever!”