Local educator is finalist for state Teacher of the Year
By Mary Shapiro

Nancy Smith, a journalism teacher at Lafayette High School in Wildwood, said she was kind of overwhelmed to learn she's one of six finalists for the 2007-2008 Missouri Teacher of the Year.

"I'm being recognized for something I'd do no matter what the rewards," said Smith, of Eureka.

"And it really was nice I was in class and my students were there for the announcement," she said. "Also, I was happy for Rockwood. This is a great place to work. I'm a better teacher because of opportunities the district affords me.

"They're very respectful of student voice and press rights," she said. "They're encouraging to teachers trying new things. And we have such supportive parents. It all makes it easier to do a good job."

State education officials on Aug. 23 announced the six finalists in the 2007-2008 Missouri Teacher of the Year program.

Nominations for the award were submitted by 48 public school districts across the state. A selection committee appointed by the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) reviewed the candidates' written applications and chose the finalists Aug. 22 in Jefferson City.

In addition to Smith, the only other finalist in the St. Louis area is Nicole "Cole" Ratner, a teacher at Twillman Elementary School in the Hazelwood School District

The selection committee will interview Smith and the other finalists today (Aug. 29) in Jefferson City and will then select the new Missouri Teacher of the Year. Missouri's Teacher of the Year automatically becomes a candidate in the national Teacher of the Year program.

"This acknowledgement of Nancy by DESE is truly a reflection of the impact she has on students," said John Shaughnessy, Lafayette principal.

"One of the most powerful things she brings to her classroom is her knowledge of the curriculum -- her ability to bring current knowledge of her subject and relate that to the kids," he said.

Smith came to the Rockwood School District 14 years ago.

"I think my greatest attributes are my preparation, organization and flexibility," Smith said.

"I work very hard to stay updated and knowledgeable. When you teach journalism, the great thing is that every day there's a potential lesson plan in the news," she said. "You need to adapt to take advantage of real-life issues, which makes journalism more real-world for the students."

Students were pleased at her accomplishment -- and not just the current ones.

"I literally answered e-mails until 1 a.m.," Smith said. "In the Rockwood community, parents work in the district. And I have e-mails from former students from 10 years ago."

Her father is also proud of her, she said.

"My dad, Andy Yamin, originally asked me when I started my career if I really wanted to go into teaching," she said. "He knew it was a tough gig with a lot of hard work and without the financial rewards many professions offer.

"After he heard about (Smith being named a finalist), he told me, 'So, I guess the teaching thing is working out.'"

You can contact Mary Shapiro at mshapiro@yourjournal.com.