Jon Smith was nominated by his principal, Shannon Marler.

Mr. Smith first worked in Mount Vernon City Schools as a sub, and now works as a special education teacher.  He has worked in the Trainable Mentally Handicapped classroom for four years. His actions each day show how much of a difference he makes with his students.  He doesn't allow the students' disabilities to stand in their way, and won't allow his students to say, "I can't," in his classroom.  Mr. Smith has high, but very realistic, expectations for his students, both academically and behaviorally.

"I have watched the transformation of some of his very severe students going from not knowing very much at all, to saying hello when spoken to, waving, singing in Christmas programs, doing things more independently and not relying so much on their assistant," Marler said. "Mr. Smith sent me a picture of a student of his in a go kart. When I asked him how he got that picture, he said he had offered to the students' parents that if they ever needed time away or wanted to go somewhere, that he and his wife wouldn't mind to watching him at all." 

The parents called Mr. Smith and indicated that they had no one to watch their child because they didn't know how to care for the feeding tube. Their child stayed all night with Mr. Smith and his family so the parents could go out to have some free time.

"When a parent asks a teacher if they mind caring for their child overnight, you know there is a true bond of trust between the home and school," Marler said. "When a teacher does these kinds of things outside of school on their own personal time because they want to, you know you definitely have a dedicated LifeChanger."

Many times, parents do not have the accessibility of caregivers because of the many things caregivers need to know and take care of. That is why Mr. Smith offered. He knows the student's parents can never have free time. The smile on that little boy's face from riding  in the go kart was priceless.   

Mr. Smith is a sincere, compassionate teacher.  He is very sensitive toward his students and celebrates their successes with the school, administration, and most importantly, the students' families. Mr. Smith goes out of his way to make sure the students laugh.  He is funny and creates a learning environment that his students love. Mr. Smith stands in the parking lot at Christmas dressed as Santa, waving at all the students coming into school on the last day before Christmas break. He might be a dancing Santa out in the parking lot! You never know what he is doing to get the parents' and students' attention, but they get so excited to see him in the lot. He makes the culture of his school positive and fun so that it draws attention to the climate he helps promote in the building. Mr. Smith also dresses up like the Easter bunny and greets kids as they come to school. He brings joy and excitement to his school in any way he can. He spends money out of his own pocket to make sure his students and staff have everything they need to be successful.

Mr. Smith is loved and adored by his colleagues. He visits everyone as he goes down the hallways and always has something to say to make everyone smile.  He is definitely a positive, strong pillar in his classroom and at school. His students miss him when he isn't there, along with his staff.

"He is a perfect match for those children," Marler said. "He gets down on their level, goes the extra mile to get them to accomplish a task, and takes turns with his one on one aides working with the students so he can actually see the students' progress for himself."

Mr. Smith's actions speak volumes of the kindhearted, sensitive, and compassionate teacher he really is. He gets so excited when his students accomplish a task.  He takes them on field trips with the regular population. Additionally, he pushes students into regular ed classes when he sees they are ready, confident and can handle it.

Mr. Smith is definitely a leader in his school.  He has served as a teacher leader for his team within the school.  He has also served on the rising star committee (school improvement plan), social committee, and has a master's in special education with a post master certificate in applied behavioral analysis.  Mr. Smith is willing to serve in whatever capacity he can.  He isn't afraid to take on leadership roles when necessary. 

Mr. Smith is an excellent teacher.  He juggles several one on one aides and schedules, coordinates with many services that are deemed necessary for students in their IEP, and adheres to differentiating instruction so all of his students have the confidence necessary to achieve success.  Mr. Smith is the kind of teacher that leads and models by example.  He will not ask an aide to do anything he is not willing to do himself. He displays many characteristics of taking a leadership role and is serious about the safety, care, and well being of not only his classroom, but all students.

Mr. Smith has everything possible for his students to have an enjoyable, educational experience while at school. He has a sensory room that is stocked full of items for students with sensory issues. His classroom also has a place where he can take students to calm down.  He has little station areas for his students to sit in bean bags while working on iPads, looking at books, or simply doing an activity. His room is set up to fit all the needs of his students and their various disabilities. Mr. Smith has a wonderful home school connection with all of his students' parents.

"It's almost like they are one big happy family.  Mr. Smith takes pictures and sends them to their parents so they can see what they are doing while in his class," Marler said. "Mr. Smith understands the fear and nervousness parents feel when they entrust them into someones else's care.  He shares their joys and when they have problems, as well."

On a daily basis, Mr. Smith and his parents communicate very well. If he feels like a student isn't acting like they normally do, he will call the parent to see if anything has happened or what he can do to make their child feel better.

"I've never seen another educator have as good of a home school partnership with parents as I have seen with Mr. Smith.  He will tell you that when you are talking to parents about their child, you are talking straight to their heart.  He is so right about that statement," said Marler.  

Mr. Smith always does the right thing.  He has a good relationship with his colleagues, administration, parents, students, and staff.  Mr. Smith is always making sure that what he does in his classroom and around the school is acceptable, moral and ethical.  He is well respected, and you can always count on him to do the right thing.  He follows all district and school policies, and if he isn't sure about anything, he never hesitates to ask. Mr. Smith is definitely a LifeChanger!

Johnny Smith in the News:
District 80 teachers up for national award