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Biographical Information

Jennifer B. Smith is currently the Multi-Tier Systems of Support (MTSS) Teacher on assignment at Twentynine Palms Junior High School in Twentynine Palms. TPJHS operates on a 4x4 block schedule, which makes Jennifer's job high paced and constantly changing on a day to day basis. She works with her 4 teams, weekly, for at least 90 minutes during the team's common prep. During this collaboration time, she assists the teachers in identifying students who need more support by analyzing data. As a team, a plan is implemented, and tracked for a 6 to 8 week cycle. Smith works with her teachers as to design engaging lessons, monitoring student progress through the curriculum, designing Project Based Learning Units, researching current sources relevant to current issues, targeting specific skills for groups of students, communicating with families, pulling data for AVID/STEAM, and working one on one with a targeted group of students throughout various classrooms. Smith provides the teachers with tools to help with differentiated instruction for smaller groups; helping teachers meet students' individual needs through informal assessments, observations, small group instruction, and teacher recommendations. Previously Smith taught third grade at Palm Vista Elementary School, sharing literature through book clubs, read-alouds and writing stations; frequently using math manipulatives; and regularly attending computer labs. Smith team-taught descriptive writing based on lessons she developed, and generated excitement about books by acting out characters as she read to her students. As a result of her effective instruction, Ms. Smith's students consistently scored in the top percentile of the district on assessments. She provides guidance to her colleagues when they have concerns regarding a student. She is one of five teachers selected by her principal to participate in the Elementary Leadership Academy, a monthly meeting of principals, teacher leaders and assistant superintendents. Thanks to Jennifer Smith, academic achievement in this remote desert community is flowering.

Personal Message

What an honor is it to be a difference in a child's life day in and day out!