English teacher Erin Smith is the 2024 Chapman Teacher of the Year.

Smith said winning the award came as somewhat of a surprise.

“I had no idea this many people knew me, much less what I was doing with my kids in the classroom,” Smith said.

Smith has been teaching for 19 years, the last three at Chapman. Before coming to Chapman, she taught English at Broome High School for more than 10 years and then became an instructional coach at Boiling Springs High School for three years, helping teachers implement new literacy strategies to improve their instruction.

During her career, Smith has developed an approach to teaching that has led to classroom success.

“My whole motto, A.P.E. — attitude, preparation, effort — it’s something I really stress with my students, and I expect them to come bringing those things every day because I know they will be successful if they do it,” said Smith.

Smith said that she practices what she preaches in the classroom and holds herself to the same standards as she does with her students. She tries for her students even when it’s hard and always prepares herself for the next challenge or what kids need from her.

Smith’s colleagues see this in her.

“She is the ultimate professional,” English teacher and former Teacher of the Year Susan Hall said. “But most importantly, she works hard to help her kids out, and we all see that.”

English teacher Alex Colson, a former Chapman and District Teacher of the Year, said it’s Smith’s passion that makes her deserving of this award.,

“(It’s her) ‘want to’ that she brings to her students every single day to make them better readers, students and people all around,” said Colson.

Principal Matt Davis said that whenever he thinks of professionalism and education, he thinks of Smith.

“She is a perfect role model to represent our profession,” said Davis.

It’s not just her colleagues who believe she deserves this award; her students do as well.

Smith’s students are very appreciative of her hard work and dedication to teaching. Junior Tally Mason recognized Smith’s efforts.

“I think Mrs. Smith deserves the Teacher of the Year award because she’s very understanding and is very good at thoroughly explaining hard concepts,” Mason said.

Smith said she is a “big believer in the power of public education” and that every voice matters. As she moves to represent Chapman at district-level events, she said it is important to use her voice to advocate for students, fellow teachers and schools and the importance that they play in communities.