Miss Taran Smith

Full Name:
Miss Taran Smith

Grade|Subject for 2020-2021:
Kindergarten

Number of Years Employed at St. Ann Catholic School:
First Year

Education:
Bachelor's Degree in Childhood Education with a Reading Concentration from the University of Arkansas, 2019. Master of Arts in Teaching Degree in Elementary Education with a Reading Concentration from the University of Arkansas, 2020.

Work Experience:
This 2020-2021 school year will be my first year as a classroom teacher. I completed a yearlong teaching internship at the University of Arkansas before moving back home to Kansas City. While student teaching, I conducted an Action Research Project that included reviewing literature, analyzing data, and implementing an intervention based on an area of need for my classroom of students. During both my graduate and undergraduate coursework, I completed additional courses to receive a reading concentration at the elementary level. I am honored to begin my teaching career at St. Ann Catholic School. I cannot imagine a better community to be a part of and grown in.

Teaching Philosophy:
My ultimate goal as an educator is wanting my students to succeed in all areas of life. Each student is influenced by the classroom and school environment and deserves to immerse themselves in a community where faith is put into practice each day. Teaching in the Catholic Schools fosters interconnectedness between our school, parish, and family communities. Students should be supported, challenged, and encouraged, while being cared for, valued, and loved simultaneously. My philosophy of teaching is to foster the development of the whole child. Students will learn how to collaborate with peers, form relationships with their classroom and school community, deepen their individual values and beliefs, and find confidence within themselves and their capabilities.They will be instilled with a growth mindset, the power of yet, and the decision to choose love and see Jesus in all things each day. I will provide my students with an environment that prioritizes the needs of each child and meets where they are in all aspects of their own lives.

Passions and Interests:
I love anything and everything that involves being outdoors and seeing the sunlight. I enjoy reading, baking sweets, and trying new restaurants with friends and family. I listen to music at almost all times throughout the day and can't stop myself from singing along to my favorites! I have also recently been interested in gardening and look forward to learning more!

Favorite Scripture:
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 "Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."