Educator Spotlight: Molly Smith

Meet Molly Smith

What grade do you teach? Or what is your title or role?

I teach first grade. I am also the math curriculum leader and one of the ST Math champions for my school.

What school, district, or institution do you work for? Where is it located?

I work for Mendon-Upton Regional School District at Memorial School. My school is in Upton, Massachusetts.

Who inspired you to become an educator?

My grandmother, who was a kindergarten teacher for over 30 years, inspires me every day!

What motivates you?

I love the personal connections that I get to make with my students and their families. My favorite part of each year is when we do mid-year and end-of-year data. The growth that students make truly shows how you are impacting their lives.

What advice would you give to your first-year teacher self?

You can’t do it all! As teachers we like to please and always have everything “just perfect,” and social media doesn’t help with this! Also, ask for help if you need it. There are many wonderful administrators and fellow teachers who are willing to help!

What do you wish more people knew about being an educator?

Being a team is the most impactful way to make your child learn! 

What do you love most about Bridges curriculum, Bridges math apps, or MLC?

I love how hands-on the program is. Children learn best when they are doing the work!! The Work Places are great and the students love them!

What do you love most about working with students? 

Watching them grow academically, socially, and emotionally. In first grade, they come in so young and by the end of the year their independent skills have grown so much!

What’s your math story? In other words, how do you feel about math and why? 

I have always loved math, and I love seeing those “lightbulb moments” in my students. I also love how math can be accessed at any ability level. When a student can explain their math thinking and teach their classmates, it is more powerful than any teacher, and Bridges and Number Corner allow for this to happen daily in my classroom.

If you would like to nominate an educator to be highlighted, please email amberleec@mathlearningcenter.org.