LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

Beth Smyth-Handley was nominated anonymously.

Creating a positive classroom starts with doing it for the kids. Ms. Smyth-Handley believes that every decision, rule, and routine should be rooted in what helps students feel safe, valued, and excited to learn. She believes that respect for students is essential. When kids feel respected, they are more likely to show respect in return and engage meaningfully in the learning process. 

Ms. Smyth-Handley sets the tone through clear expectations. When students understand what is expected of them—academically, behaviorally, and socially—they can thrive within those boundaries. She also believes in maintaining an open environment where students feel comfortable sharing ideas, asking questions, and even making mistakes as part of the learning journey.

Ms. Smyth-Handley understands that humor goes a long way in building connections and making learning enjoyable. A positive classroom is one where learning is fun and laughter is welcome. It's also important to her that every student feels seen and heard—everyone matters. She strives to make sure each child knows they are an essential part of her classroom community.

Finally, she stays open to new ideas, whether they come from colleagues, students, or changing times. Her willingness to grow helps create a dynamic and responsive classroom culture that supports all learners.

Ms. Smyth-Handley is new to teaching fourth grade, but she has extensive experience across all subjects. In reading, she runs guided reading groups where students work at their instructional level. In writing, she often pulls students for conferences to help them organize their ideas, revise their work, and strengthen their voice. Finally, in math, she frequently works with small groups of students who need extra help with new concepts or who are ready to move ahead.

During her career, she has had the opportunity to participate in programs outside the classroom that have provided her with ideas, insight, and growth in ways she did not know were possible. She led a group of high school students to the Florida Keys for an Outward Bound Experience. She spent two summers as a counselor for the Maine Upward Bound Program. She spent three summers as a counselor at Camp Capella, a camp for kids and adults with disabilities. She was also selected to be a Teacher Ranger for a summer at Acadia National Park.