Sacramento, CA – ABC10, in partnership with SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union and Sacramento State’s College of Education, is proud to announce Natalie Smith of Del Oro High School in Loomis as Teacher of the Month for August 2024. In place for 20+ years, Teacher of the Month is one of ABC10’s signature community enrichment initiatives designed to highlight local teachers making a difference in the lives of their students and families.
After being interviewed recently by ABC10’s Mark S. Allen, a seven-time Emmy Award winning member of the news team, an uplifting story about Ms. Smith will air multiple times throughout the month of August.
Known for making everyone she comes into contact with feel heard and valued, Ms. Smith has been a high school teacher for well over 15 years. She primarily teaches English (AP Literature and Composition and Honors English 10) along with Philosophy. In addition, she advises and teaches Peer Mentoring, a group of junior and senior students who act as an extension of the mental health services offered on campus. Her point of passion is when an ”aha” moment happens in the classroom as a light bulb of understanding is reflected in a student's eyes.
When asked why teachers matter, Ms. Smith said “Teachers matter because they can change the trajectory of students' lives through their passion, inspiration, and connection. Effective teachers don't just impart knowledge, they can build self-esteem and confidence, motivate students to be more than they thought they could be, and inspire a life-long love of learning.”
"Ms. Smith’s commitment to making every student feel heard and valued, and her ability to ignite those 'aha' moments in the classroom, demonstrate the transformative power of education," said Josh Smith, vice president of school and community relations at SchoolsFirst FCU. “At SchoolsFirst FCU, we are proud to serve educators like Ms. Smith who inspire and transform the lives of their students every day."
As part of being recognized as Teacher of the Month, Ms. Smith will receive $1,000 from SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union plus will be eligible for the title of ABC10’s Esquire IMAX Teacher of the Year – that includes a $5,000 prize – which will be announced at a special awards ceremony next year.
To nominate a local teacher in the greater Sacramento/Stockton/Modesto area for an upcoming Teacher of the Month, visit abc10.com/teacherofthemonth.