Mrs. Megan Smith

Position at Jordan:
2th Grade Teacher
Joined Jordan:
2007 as a 4th Grade Teacher
Educational Background:
Alleman High School ’03
Reading Endorsement, Elementary Education: Loras College ’07
My teaching philosophy:
My philosophy on teaching is continuously evolving. I learn so much each year. First and foremost, I feel it’s important to set up a warm, loving, and educational atmosphere for my students. In order for students to reach their full potential, they must feel comfortable in their surroundings, not only with me but also with their peers. I create lesson plans that suite my students educational needs, which includes seeking professional development and resources to fit every development level within my classroom. My ultimate goal each school year is to give my students every opportunity to grow spiritually, emotionally, mentally, and intellectually. I value children’s education, therefore continuous learning is a main ingredient to my philosophy of teaching.
What is special about what I do?
There are a lot of special qualities about being a teacher. There are moments throughout a day that make the day special. The children make each day special by the things they say, the things they do, and the way children light up after making sense of a particular subject. The students make what I do special because each child brings his or her unique quality to the classroom. I make it important that each child can showcase their special quality among one another.
What is special about Jordan?
I’ve been part of the Jordan family longer than just my teaching years. I am an alumni of Jordan, and the one thing that hasn’t changed since I went to school here is the sense of togetherness. Jordan sticks together and grows together like a family. A lot of that feeling comes from learning about and teaching about Catholic values and growing in faith. I once learned these morals and about God’s love in the very same classrooms that I am now teaching in. I hope I can carry these teachings to my students the way my teachers did for me.
What am I most looking forward to this school year?
Like every year, I am looking forward to getting to know my new students in my classroom. My class and I form a special bond throughout the school year and I am always looking forward to creating that bond with a new group of children. I am also excited to watch Jordan go through changes of becoming one campus. It’s long overdue, but very much worth the wait!
If you were stranded on a desert island, what two books would you like to have?:
James and the Giant Peach by Roald Dahl
Hannah’s Suitcase by Karen Levine
What do you enjoy away from Jordan?:
Love to spend time with family, golfing, cooking, love to go boating on the river, and collect children’s books.
Describe an interesting personal fact about yourself:
I held the record in softball for the most stolen bases in a career at Alleman High School.