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About Me

 Jennifer Smith

Information About Me

Hello,

My name is Jennifer Smith. Currently, I am a first grade teacher in MCPS. I am taking a Educational Leadership Master's program at Hood College.

My background is not unusual, and may be of interest to very few, but I will share it here. 

I am a career changer. My undergrad was in Information Systems Management with a minor in Theater. (yeah... great combination, right?) While I was earning my degree, I worked full time in an office giving estimates to construction companies. As I was graduating, I was fortunate to have my first born son. I ended up staying home for 10 years and working part-time at church. During this time, I had 3 more boys and children's life was now all I knew. My degree was getting dated and I as unsure what else to do. I opened a preschool/ co-op so that I could bring my children to work with me. Eventually, I needed to get a "real" job and decided I really wanted to continue to work with children. I applied and was accepted into the Prince Georges County Fellowship Program. I earned my teaching certificate and started teaching kindergarten right away. By the next year, PG had furloughs and I was let go. I decided to apply to Montgomery County and was accepted as a sub. I subbed at elementary, middle and high schools. I was all around the county and landed a few long-term positions. It took a few years to finally land a permanent position, as a 5th grade teacher. I worked with 5th for a few years, went to 3rd for a few years, moved to 4th for a few years, then to  2nd for a few years. I finally moved to a new school, taught 2nd for another year and now I am in first. 

All my time, I have held leadership roles in the schools. I am not afraid to express my thoughts and opinions (and that can certainly get me in trouble). However, it is my outgoing personality that has helped me to learn from others, help support others and helped me determine I was taking the next step in my career in school leadership. 

My family remains my main priority and it is because of their love and support, I can take this journey. 


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