Meet Ms. Smith

Welcome! This is my fourth year at Hartsville Middle School and my fifteenth year teaching middle school Social Studies in the Pee Dee region of South Carolina. My classroom is built on a simple belief: history is more than learning about the past—it is an opportunity to develop the knowledge, literacy, and critical thinking skills students need to succeed in school, in their communities, and in life.

I earned my Bachelor of Science in Middle Level Education from Francis Marion University and my Master of Education in Literacy from Coker University. I am currently pursuing a second master's degree in Educational Leadership at The Citadel, where I continue to grow as an instructional leader committed to improving teaching and learning.

This year, I am excited to participate in a middle school pilot program through the Constitutional Law Center at the University of South Carolina's Joseph F. Rice School of Law. The program emphasizes constitutional literacy through the use of primary sources, inquiry, discussion, and writing—helping students think critically while making their learning visible.

Throughout my career, I have also served in leadership roles as a Summer School Principal, Project Director for the Nita M. Lowey 21st Century Community Learning Center Grant, instructional mentor, coach, and administrative leader. These experiences have strengthened my passion for supporting both students and fellow educators.

Outside of school, I am the proud mother of four children, a graduate of Lake City High School's Class of 2000, and an active member of several community organizations throughout the Pee Dee.

At Hartsville Middle School, our theme is Moving from Effort to Impact—One Heartbeat at a Time. In our classroom, that means students take ownership of their learning by asking thoughtful questions, engaging with authentic historical sources, collaborating with others, and reflecting on their growth. Together, we strive to make learning visible and meaningful while building the skills that prepare students to become informed citizens and future leaders.

History. Literacy. Leadership.
Moving Learning from Effort to Impact.