Beginning next fall, Kate Smith will be the new Kindergarten teacher at the ELC.
Kate has been at the ELC for the past four years and she currently teaches four-year-olds. Before having her own children (she has three, ages 8,6 and 4), she taught the third grade for two years in an inner city school in Knoxville, Tenn., and four years in Arkadelphia, Ark. She was just 21-years-old when she first began teaching.
Kate opted to stay at home with her children when they were very young. During that time, she formed a monogramming business. She specialized in making diaper bags and burp cloths.
In March, 2008, Kate and her husband moved their family to Birmingham, Ala. They became members at Shades Mountain Baptist Church and Kate began working as a preschool teacher at the ELC.
In her spare time, Kate enjoys working in her yard, making crafts and reading.
Kate is very passionate about her job and is a favorite among the students, parents and staff. "I love seeing the light bulbs go off in their heads and smiles on their faces when reading clicks," she said.
In her new role as the Kindergarten teacher next year, Kate is looking forward to being able to add on to what she is currently doing with the four-year-olds in order to take her class to the next level. She is excited about being promised a smaller class size (no more than 12, versus 20 or more in a public school setting), which will allow her to give more focused attention to each of her students.
"With the resources available, the supportive church and staff and the great parents, what a privilege to be a part of this new adventure at the ELC," Kate said.
