Amanda J. Smith

Background

About Amanda J. Smith

I am a veteran multilingual world language educator with over 20 years of experience in K-12 education teaching French and Spanish to elementary, middle, and high school students. Prior to entering the educational sector, I worked in consulting, international account management, and culinary arts. I have lived and worked in France and traveled extensively. I currently teach French at Branford High School in Connecticut and work closely with school administration on attendance matters. I am also a certified French Professor for the University of Connecticut's Early College Experience program. I earned my master’s degree in teaching French from Bennington College and my doctorate in Educational Leadership from the American College of Education. In addition to French and Spanish teaching certifications, I hold Connecticut 092 Intermediate Administrator certification. I have been a world language department leader, mentored aspiring teachers, and consulted with higher education institutions. I write world language curriculum and lead professional development sessions. My reflective practice article entitled, Reflective Practice: Effective Strategies for Combatting Challenges with Grading Policies, was published in the November 2023 edition of the Journal of Scholarly Engagement, and I will present this paper at the Ungrading Conference 2024 USC Dornsife Center for Languages and Cultures. My research focuses on grading, grading policies, and teachers’ experiences with grading.