Carrollton Elementary School teacher Nancy Smith was chosen as a recipient of the Mentor Teacher Award for her work with the University of West Georgia. She is one of nine teachers from around the state who was recognized by the Georgia Association of Colleges for Teacher Education for their work in coaching future teachers.
“I feel honored to be recognized for something I love to do,” said Smith. “I love to help young teachers, whether they are just about to enter the profession or are in their early years of teaching.”
In addition to fulfilling their prime obligations as an educator, each teacher selected for this honor has also served as a mentor to the upcoming generation of Georgia teachers. These mentor teachers model, instruct, encourage, and invest in the development of future teachers.
Karen Wild, director of school improvement at Carrollton City Schools, said Smith is more than deserving of this recognition.
“Nancy is an intelligent, caring, and hardworking professional who values supporting others,” said Wild. “Her expertise in instruction coupled with her exceptional people skills enable her to facilitate the development of educators in interacting with ideas and other people.”
The award is co-sponsored by the Georgia Association of Educators (GAE), Georgia Association of Educational Leaders (GAEL), and the Professional Association of Georgia Educators (PAGE).
Smith reflected on the early years of her teaching career.
“I had an incredible mentor during my first year of teaching,” she said. “I feel like it is part of my job as a seasoned teacher to pay it forward now. I hope I can help make those first few years of teaching a bit less overwhelming!”
