Who is Mrs. Smith?

I live in Long Beach with my husband Nick and son Sebastian.  Some of my favorite things to do are spend time with my family, play with my three dogs, read, enjoy the outdoors, and cook.  I love the fun and challenges that come with being a mother and a GATE teacher.

I have been teaching for 9 years.  I love teaching 1st grade GATE at Ethan Allen Elementary.  I really appreciate being involved in the GATE program and being a part of such an outstanding school.  This is my fourth year teaching 1st grade GATE.

Prior to teaching at Ethan Allen I taught at Thomas Paine Elementary for 5 years.  I enjoyed teaching 6th grade, 4th grade, and 3rd grade at Paine.  Being a teacher is a very important part of my life and I truly value it.

I come from a large family- I am the oldest of 5 children.  I grew up in the San Francisco Bay Area in Silicon Valley.  Fun fact- I attended the same high school as Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak!  I have lived in Southern California since 2002. I moved to Orange County to attend UC Irvine, where I graduated in 2006 with a BA and two minors, including one in education.  I immediately entered UCI's graduate program for education, earning my Masters in the Art of Teaching (MAT) and teaching credential.  After completing my Masters degree in 2007 I began working in the wonderful Garden Grove school district.

My main goal is to develop your child's love of learning.  I do this by providing interesting, challenging assignments that will push them to achieve their fullest potential with the support they need to succeed.  I look forward to helping all of my scholars learn, grow, and enjoy their days in first grade GATE.