Meet the Teacher

Welcome to your gifted class! My name is Mary Kathryn Smith and I am so happy to be a member of #TeamCherokee! This is the 17th year of my teaching career and I'm very excited to continue my journey as the gifted teacher at CES!!!

My husband and I have two daughters and two sons who are the light of our life and the joy of our world! Our family also includes Tillery and Teddy, our wild and crazy dogs. 

I want all of my students to understand the value of education and love it like I do, therefore I feel it is paramount that I lead by example. I've done this throughout my career by continuing my own education and training.

A little about my teaching philosophy: We will have fun in class, you'll learn all of the content you're supposed to, and hopefully you'll also learn to be confident, well-rounded individuals through the experiences we will have as students, friends, and even family. I believe in a kinesthetic approach to education. Learning isn't effective for most students from solely lecturing. It is my goal to appeal to all of your various and distinct ways of learning through a variety of classroom experiences and techniques. Your success and confidence is my number-one goal. 

Being your teacher is one of the greatest responsibilities I have and watching you grow as students and people is such a joy!