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As a Learning, Enhancement and Academic Design (LEAD) Teacher, Pamela Yau Smith designs and presents math and science enrichment for all of the nearly 700 students at Edgewood Elementary School in Homewood, Alabama. Whether constructing an outdoor classroom to study aquatic ecosystems or introducing robotics via LEGO hands-on tools, Yau Smith’s interactive lessons inspire curiosity, wonder and collaborative thinking about real-world issues. She extends the math and science concepts presented in regular classrooms through the use of technology-integrated inquiry activities, which result in students gaining a more complete understanding of the subjects. Her teaching effectiveness is evidenced by outstanding math scores, which are above state averages. A masterful classroom manager, Yau Smith is skilled at addressing a challenging student with a calming glance while maintaining uninterrupted instruction. Colleagues are inspired by her adeptness at providing effective and engaging individual pacing for English-language learners.

This consummate educator, who is nationally board certified, is an instructional coach for new teachers and serves on numerous districtwide committees. At the state level she is a member of the Alabama Key Leaders Network – Alabama Best Practices Center and works as a liaison with the Alabama Math, Science and Technology Initiative (AMSTI). A frequent workshop and conference presenter, Yau Smith is also the 2012 board chairman of the University of Montevallo Regional In-Service Education Center Governing Board. Parents and families appreciate her high standards, as well as the engagement opportunities she initiates, such as Math Night and a math/science calendar. Throughout the community, Yau Smith is admired for her contributions as an exceptional educator and for her philanthropic efforts for many worthy causes. "LEAD teacher" is indeed an apt title for Pamela Yau Smith.