Idaho Teacher of the Year Kelli Smith
Sacajawea Middle School in Lewiston is still buzzing following the announcement that one of its staff has been named Idaho Teach of the Year. Math teacher Kelli Smith became the first Lewiston educator to take home the state’s top honor since 1992 when McGhee Elementary’s Margaret Duncan was honored.
Smith, who hails from nearby Lapwai, Idaho, is a second generation teacher and has been heavily influenced by both family and other educators.
Idaho Teacher of the Year Kelli Smith says teaching runs in the family
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For the honor, Smith gets $1,000 from the State Department of Education, $16,000 worth of technology equipment, software and training and a 32-seat clicker set valued at $1,100.
She is also now eligible for the national teacher of the year award, but the 29-year old is hesitant to discuss that possiblity.
Smith comments on her eligibility for National Teacher of the Year
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School districts and charter schools can nominate one teacher for the Idaho Teacher of the Year annually, with the winner chosen by a selection committee representing teachers, education leaders, parents and legislators.
