KERSHAW COUNTY, S.C. — Our next News19 Teacher of the Week makes sure her classroom is a safe haven for her students.
"She's an amazing teacher. She always reminded us to study for our homework and our quizzes," says Ryder Smith, a former student of Mrs. Brantley Smith at Lugoff Elementary in Kershaw County.
Mrs. Smith teaches 4th grade reading at the elementary school. She has been an educator for 17 years and worked 15 years inside Lugoff Elementary.
"I hope that they leave my room, not just with reading capabilities being stronger, but also with kindness. My biggest thing is, we have to make our world a better place. So, I really preach that day in and day out, of how do we look around us and not just consider ourselves, but how do we consider everyone around us," says Mrs. Smith.
Mrs. Smith created a care closet in her classroom. She also offers daily hugs and a calm spot corner. Her goal is to make her classroom a place of stability, comfort and love.
"I put my heart into this. It is truly something I come here and want to do every day. I can't imagine myself doing anything else," says Mrs. Smith.
And her students like Ryder and Peyton appreciate it.
"I love her, and I think she's an amazing teacher," says student Peyton Hicks.
"I know it means a lot to her. She's just the perfect one for it. It's special, and she deserves it," says Ryder.
Born in Northeast Columbia and a graduate of USC, Mrs. Smith knew she wanted to teach at a young age.
"I started playing school as a little girl, and it has just been my favorite thing to do. The year out of college, I did not get hired right away. I had to do a lot of deep searching. And I think this is where I'm supposed to be. And I really felt like it was a calling," says Mrs. Smith.
With an eight and six-year-old at home, Mrs. Smith is learning to balance teaching both inside and outside the classroom.
"Once I had children and once they started getting closer to the age that I teach, I realized that I talked to my kids at home the same way I talked to these kids. So that really tells me as a person, that my love for them is the same love that I have for my children at home," says Mrs. Smith.
"She did an amazing job teaching me," says Ryder.
If you know a teacher like Mrs. Smith who deserves to be recognized for their hard work in the classroom you can nominate them by emailing us at TOW@WLTX.COM. Tell us what that educator is doing every day to go above and beyond in the classroom.
