Welcome to
Del Mar Heights
Del Mar Heights
- Educational Background and Professional Experience
Though born in Boston and raised in Minneapolis, I have lived in San Diego since 1991. I was educated at UCSD, where Art History and Education were my foci. I have been teaching at In Del Mar Union School District since 2001.
My classroom is a caring and rich environment where children can immerse themselves in learning. Students learn to work autonomously and cooperatively on assignments that challenge them appropriately. Students learn that reading and writing, social studies and science can be fun, preparing them for a lifetime of enrichment and enjoyment.
Andrew Smith
Educational Philosophy
&
What to Expect in First Grade
&
What to Expect in First Grade
Educational Philosophy and What to Expect in First Grade:
It is my goal that each student develops a passion for learning and the responsibility and confidence necessary to follow that passion. I endeavor to teach each child as an individual, meeting their specific needs and encouraging their strengths. I also strive to teach each child that they are part of a larger community- a community who will care for them and to whom they are responsible.
In order to reach these goals I:
-Create an environment that nourishes confidence and allows students to feel safe while pushing themselves towards greater goals.
-Create an environment that nourishes both positive individual decision making and community spirit.
-Offer motivating and meaningful activities that both teach skills and authentic applications of those skills.
-Implement structures that allow a maximum of individual instruction time with each student.
Statement of Beliefs:
-The parent is the child’s most profoundly influential teacher.
-Student self-esteem and security is critical to development of an enthusiasm for learning.
-Each student is important and must be taught at their level, offering challenge and support in instruction.
-Achievement requires purpose and pursuit.
-Learning does not stop when the school bell rings.
-Student activities should prepare children for thinking and living both in and out of school in the present and the future.
First Grade Learning
First Grade is a wonderful year of growth and discovery! We adventure through a range of grade level standards, finding joy in becoming self-extending readers and writers as well as more informed and powerful thinkers in mathematics. Science studies are ripe with amazing topics such as biomimicry, plant and animal survival characteristics, and how sound and light function. We'll venture into ideas in social studies that help us grow into empathetic and empowered citizens of our families, schools, and communities. I can't wait to LAUNCH into our learning together!
Life Outside of the Ocean
A bit more about Mr. Smith:
I live in La Mesa with my wife Amy, who is also a teacher, my son Grant, who is in eleventh grade, and my daughter Lauren, who is in seventh grade. I enjoy surfing, soccer (Tottenham Hotspur and San Diego Loyal are my teams), Baseball (Viva Los Padres!), hiking with my dog, and great books and films. I also coach soccer, create art, write, and play music regularly.