Traci Smith Email & Phone Number

“The ancient Romans had a tradition: whenever one of their engineers constructed an arch, as the capstone was hoisted into place, the engineer assumed accountability for his work in the most profound way possible: he stood under the arch.” This quote by Michael Armstrong, author and former Chairman of AT&T, paints a picture of what excellent teachers accomplish. As a teacher, I stand proud and confident by my students and their learning because I know I have done everything in my power to guide them. I hold myself accountable. As Mr. Armstrong pointed out, the creator of masterpieces should stand by their work. Outstanding teachers want to be held accountable for their students’ success, but in a fair and subjective manner. An accountability system that takes into account all that a teacher does to safeguard student success both in and out of the classroom shows true craftsmanship. The relevant relationships with students and their parents, going beyond the call of duty to ensure their success, the teacher’s willingness to further their own education, and a passion for building a better future measure the true greatness of a teacher.Teachers, in essence, forge the future. Teaching, more than any other profession, has the ability to leave footprints, heartprints if you will, on this world. Inspiration and innovation, when taught by passionate teachers, has the capacity to truly affect society as a whole. This is our capstone. All professions are influenced by it, and no other profession is more important.