Jacob Smith

Background

About Jacob Smith

I have taught several subject matters with a focus on student growth and success, and I have achieved these goals in every class and position I have found myself. The subjects I have taught range from high school English Language Arts at every grade level, as well as middle school theatre, debate, and even health. I am currently teaching an ELA elective to 7th and 8th graders centered around analyzing and responding to current events. I have also been a mentor teacher to new teachers, and been the leader of multiple teaching departments. I was the middle school theatre director and head speech and debate coach at my previous school. I grew the participation in both of those programs ten times their previous size. While teaching at an alternative school I was able to maintain a record of zero below basic scores on state assessments, and increase the proficient and advanced scores section as well. I pride myself on having high standards, while also being able to differentiate lessons and scaffold them to the learners' needs. I am highly capable of adjusting lessons in the moment to help students achieve an academic end goal, while also maintaining workflow, timelines for completing units, and focusing on student achievement. In my mentoring and leadership roles I have always found a way to help colleague create a growth mindset around their own learning and instruction. I believe highly in reflective practices, as well as open and honest critique. I am able to help them perceive their lessons through the eyes of their learners, and create best practices for implementing those lessons. I also believe the mentoring process goes both ways. I think it is important to learn from others, and to highlight for them what I am taking away from their lesson as a way to encourage the continued use of that praxis. In essence I am teacher and a leader that does what is needed for the best outcomes. I believe in the group, and the community, and its ability to help and encourage students. I believe in high, rigid goals, with flexible and multiple pathways to achieve them.