Domeka Harden-Smith
Veterans Elementary School
3rd - 5th Grade Social Studies
How long have you been teaching?
I have been teaching for seven years.
What inspired you to pursue a career in education?
A deep passion for helping young minds grow and thrive. Witnessing the "aha" moments when student(s) grasps a new concept or overcomes a challenge is extremely rewarding.
What is your favorite thing about teaching or your biggest success story?
I love teaching social studies. I want my students to learn about the past so they will not repeat or make the same mistakes. The biggest success story was the Civil Rights Movement. Students participate in a mock segregation lesson. Three classes were asked to wear red shirts, and two wore blue shirts. The blue were treated to snacks and allowed to sit anywhere outside, while the red shirt students did not receive any snacks and were only permitted in a particular section.
What challenges do you face in the classroom?
I face challenges with students having a range of reading levels from BR to grade level.
How do Gallopade products or Gallopade Curriculum help you in the classroom?
Gallopade Curriculum made a massive difference in my class. The book allowed me to cross-curriculum social studies with ELA and Math—for example, Fact or Opinion questions, constructed responses, writing prompts, etc.
What is something that every student should know about teachers?
Teachers want the best for every student.
What advice would you impart to a new teacher or someone who wants to become a teacher?
I recommend that new teachers or someone who wants to become a teacher watch the late Dr. Rita Pierson’s TED Talk, “Every child needs a champion.” It was instrumental to me early in my career.
What do you love to do when you're not teaching?
I love reading and spending time with my family.
Do you know educators who go above and beyond the call of duty to inspire their students? Nominate them to be our next Teacher Spotlight!
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