One of the most requested educators at Centennial Elementary School in Gainesville, second-grade teacher Kristie Smart integrates the arts into the teaching of core academic skills, facilitating learning and improving retention through multisensory instruction. In addition, her use of small groups in teaching reading has been videotaped as an example for new teachers to study. Ms. Smart maintains a strong connection with parents, making frequent home visits and encouraging many parents to volunteer in the classroom. She also hosts an annual spend-the-night party in the school library for all students who meet their reading goals, rewarding them with pizza, ice cream and fun activities. Every one of Ms. Smart's students improve academically, not just the typically high-achieving ones, and her students consistently score the highest within the school system on pre- and post-tests in all areas. Ms. Smart is a mentor to new teachers, and often invites high school and college students interested in becoming teachers to teach in her classroom. Now, that's smart indeed.
