Music that Describes Dr. Shannon
Dr. Shannon Smith was nominated by her colleague, Angela Bonner.
As a young child, Dr. Smith dreamed of being a teacher - not just any teacher, but a Special Education Teacher. Dr. Smith was introduced to the world of special needs when she was introduced to her best friend, who is also her older sister. Dr. Smith's older sister, Christie, was born with Down Syndrome. She has also had several family members with special needs. Dr. Smith has a unique perspective in that area. Throughout her life, she has made it her civic and personal responsibility to help others achieve their dreams, despite their disabilities. She worked very hard to gain as much knowledge as she could to benefit those with special needs.
Over her 13 years as an educator, Dr. Smith has dedicated herself to preparing students for life both in and outside of the classroom. The students she teaches are from similar backgrounds. Although her students have special needs, she does not allow them to be defined or define themselves by their disabilities. In each of her students, she instills the mindset that they can all achieve a college education by telling them that they are enrolled in "Dr. Smith's University."
Dr. Smith was recently recognized for her students' test performance, where her students showed exceptional growth on the MAPP-A. Her motto is, "Be The Change You Want To See In The World."
I nominate Dr. Shannon Smith for the Life Changer of the Year award. Providing services as the Physical Therapist for the school district, I have had the great privilege of working with Dr. Smith for several years. She is definitely a leader in her area of expertise. Dr. Smith always goes above and beyond to define and provide what each student needs to be successful in the classroom and in life. She is a very special person who has found her niche and is making a positive impact on students every day. She is most certainly a LIFE CHANGER for every student she teaches.
It has been a blessing to work with Dr. Shannon Smith. She is a determined and dedicated educator. She places the needs of her students at the highest level of priority. She is a great asset to her students and co-workers.
Nobody deserves this more than Dr. Smith! She is 100% dedicated to her craft and makes every child who comes in contact with her feel absolutely loved and understood.
Such a light? extremely thankful and honored to have met this sweet lady! She is truly invested in the people around her and is intentional in every word and action she makes. Love her!
Dr. Smith has always displayed a high level of leadership and compassion with every task. She continuously strives for growth within herself and her students. She leads a life without limits and encourages the same from her students. Dr. Smith is a motivator not only for her students but everyone she encounters. Dr. Smith lives the life of her motto...she is the change the world should see! It’s a honor to know Dr. Smith and I look forward to seeing her continue to change the world.
Congratulations!
Dr.Smith is an an outstanding educator who practice with she preach. She has empathy and inspires motivation. Congratulations, Dr. Smith!
Dr. Smith is an excellent educator. This would be a well-deserved award!
Dr. Smith is an amazing educator and is very compassionate in her services to all. This is a wonderful honor for her to represent our district in this aspect. Congratulations, Dr. Smith! Job well done!
Dr. Smith is an incredible teacher who has an exceptional love of learning and sharing that love with her students. She is a positive role model for everyone at her school. She truly considers the whole student, not just the academic needs of the student always thinking of all of her students' needs. Dr. Smith is professional and courteous to faculty and staff and is a pleasure to work with at our school. Congratulations, Dr. Smith! I am so proud of you!
Dr. Shannon Smith is always caring, professional, and friendly to everyone. I am sure she is an amazing teacher with her students and they enjoy her in their class. Congratulations on your nomination!!!
Congratulations Dr. Smith!!
I have known Dr. Smith and her family since she herself was a student in the Simpson County School district, and I am both proud and honored to now call this very special young lady a colleague. Dr. Smith is a highly skilled educational practitioner who makes personal connections with her students in a way not everyone can. With her credentials, experience, accomplishments and pleasant personality,
Dr. Smith could literally go anywhere and be successful; however, I think it is very telling that she has elected to serve in the community that reared her. Although Dr. Smith has many, many attributes that contribute to her and her students' success, I truly believe it is her perfect balance of patience and high expectations that has the greatest impact on her students. Congratulations to Dr. Smith on this well-deserved acknowledgement!
Dr. Shannon is an amazing young lady who is very passionate and dedicated in everything she does. She is truly a wonderful person and educator through and through. I was new to the district last year, and she introduced herself to me and immediately I knew what a wonderful person she was. Sincere and welcoming and a wonderful mentor even though we were at different schools. She was always there throughout the year to answer any questions or share anything she had to help me, help my students achieve. Congratulations on your achievement Dr. Smith.
Dr. Smith is one of the most loving and patient people I have encountered. My nephew was one of her students and he is a handful. She always asks how is he doing and is willing to go the extra mile to help him. I can't thank her enough for what she has done for him. Our school district is blessed to have such a caring person in its midst.
Dr. Smith is an amazing lady! She has a beautiful spirit, a smile and kind words for everyone she comes in contact with, and is one of the most respectful people I know. She is willing to chip in and help her school and school family any time there is a need. As a person, she has an outstanding personality and characteristics. As an educator, she loves each of her students as if they were her own. She strives to help each and every child grow and learn to their full potential. Without a doubt, Dr. Smith is very dedicated and devoted to her students. She goes the extra mile in all she does. Simpson County is blessed to have Dr. Smith.
Dr. Smith is a very big advocate for her students. She is always striving for their Least restrict environment and the best for her students. She is calm, understanding and flexible coworker.
Dr. Smith, you are absolutely amazing! Thank you for the selfless work that you do for your students, school, and community!
Congratulations Dr. Smith!
Dr. Smith is loved by her students and peers. She goes above and beyond for each individual student and their family. The imprint she leaves on each one of her students will leave a lasting impression in their present and future lives.
Dr. Smith, I have not known you for a long time. But, the time I have known you has been pleasant. I met you at one of our SPED meeting. I was, and am, very proud to have you as part of the SPED team in our district. You are a very loving and caring person. You have a true compasion for our special children.
I am so thankful to have such a fabulous teammate at Mendenhall Elementary! Dr. Smith is a wonderful teacher, and her students shine because of her nurturing.
I have known Dr. Smith since she was a student of mine in fourth grade. She has always been focused, deliberate, and had the highest expectations of herself. She is exactly the same with our special education students. She doesn't see their disabilities but their possibilities. Her high expectations have propelled these students well beyond our expectations, she is kind, persistent, encouraging and accepts no less than their absolute best. Her year end test scores were amazing. She truly is an advocate for our students and I have no doubts that she changes the lives of every student she comes in contact with. She is well deserving of this award as she is one in a million. She will continue to change the lives of all her students who have the greatest needs. They are blessed to have her. I know her older sister also my student who has Down's syndrome propelled her to this profession. It is personal to her and like her family she wants our children to have the greatest potential to be successful, productive citizens
Dr. Smith is an amazing educator and it is very evident in the students she helps!
Dr. Smith goes above and beyond for her students!!! She spends endless hours to helping her students achieve and grow! Dr. Smith is very deserving of the Life Changer of the Year Award!!
Dr. Smith is a smart, beautiful, and dedicated woman. She has dedicates her life and love toward all children and I find that admiring. She evens finds the time to help my daughter out with her homework. It shows just how devoted she is with helping other people. And, for her to be nominated for life changer of the year is awe-inspiring. I just want to congratulate her on being nominated for the award because she really does deserves it. She inspires the children, the people around her, and the community. Dr. Smith is the epitome of inspiration.
I have had the privilege of knowing Dr. Shannon Smith and her family for years. As an educator, it is a blessing to see young people “grow up, go off to college, come back home, and give back”! Dr. Smith is an awesome educator who does not settle for less when it comes to students putting forth their best effort! She walks tall with a smile and is always on the go “for her students”! She teaches with vigor and is well respected by her colleagues. Dr. Smith teaches from the heart and gives selflessly to others, especially to her students. Teaching is not for the faint at heart and to teach well, you must have a heart for all. Congratulations Dr. Smith on being selected at a nominee for “Life Changer of the Year”. As you continue to grow in education, continue to let your light shine as there is some child down in the valley of learning trying to find their way—continue to be the light that leads them to success, no matter how great or small.
Congratulations Dr. Smith! I am so happy you have received this nomination. The love & dedication that you pour into your students is a rare find. I love that you build a caring relationship with each of your students & instill in them core values that will go with them throughout their lives. You are more than deserving!
Congrats on the nomination. Dr.Smith is an amazing outstanding teacher she has really changed lives of her present and past students. Dr.Smith goes above and beyond for her students no matter what it takes if I could I would nominate Dr.Smith a million times for the Life Changer Of The Year Award.
Congrats on the nomination it’s well deserved! Dr. Smith loves what she does and goes above and beyond to meet each child specific needs. She’s really spectacular. We need more educators like her!
Dr.smith is amazing! We live her so much she has changed my child's life . We moved here last year after hurricane Michael took our home back in florida . The schools told me there that sophie may never read or do basic things . Dr smith has had sophie since november of last year and this year the first 6 weeks of school.she is now reading . The child of little hope to others is now reading . We are so excited . We dont know what dr smith is doing but it's working and my little one just loves her to death
Dr. Smith was one of my mentors during the process of gaining my PhD. She was my help, my shoulder to cry on, and my motivator. She changed my life (adult life) in ways she'll never understand. Thank you for being you!!!
Dr. Shannon is amazing; her resilience is beyond words!! She is very passionate about her career and the children she teaches. She makes sure that she does everything right for them, so that they have the same opportunities as others. #LCOY
Dr. Smith is a very caring person who looks out for others and is always there to lend a helping hand! Congratulations on your nomination!
Dr. Smith goes above and beyond to demonstrate concern for the children that often get lost in the shuffle. Through her caring spirit, she teaches reading to those who never learned to read. She supports them in their class time. She goes to their homes and to their after school events. She donates her time. She even goes beyond the child to reach the parents and other family members. She is what a true educator should be. I am blessed to have worked with her and see her heart in action. She is truly a life changer!
Dr. Smith is a very smart and intelligent teacher,who takes pride in her work.This would be a great honor for her.
Shannon has a beautiful personality and spirit and she loves what she does and she loves others she's just a beautiful person all around
Dr Smith is a dedicated and compassionate teacher. We worked as a special education team for several years in Hattiesburg Public School and she is brilliant and knowledgeable.She not only cares for her students but works closely with the families and other professionals. She knows how to motivate her students and other teachers on the team. She is energetic and a pleasure to work with. I strongly recommend Dr. Shannon Smith for the Lifechanger of the Year Award. I miss you Dr. Smith!
Congratulations on your nomination well deserved she goes above and beyond for her students .Shannon was both of my kid's teacher for many years I appreciate her professionalism and compassion that she displayed during her employment with HPSD
Dr. Shannon Smith is the perfect nominee for the Lifechanger of the year award. She has always held a special place in her heart for helping students whether special needs or not. She is a remarkable teacher and woman in general. The love she shares for others is immeasureable!!!!
Congratulations on your nomination well deserved she goes above and beyond for her students
Dr. Smith congratulations on your nomination! It is well deserved with the time and effort that you have personally put in and helping others.
I nominate Dr. Shannon Smith for the Life Changer of the Year award. Providing services as the Physical Therapist for the school district, I have had the great privilege of working with Dr. Smith for several years. She is definitely a leader in her area of expertise. Dr. Smith always goes above and beyond to define and provide what each student needs to be successful in the classroom and in life. She is a very special person who has found her niche and is making a positive impact on students every day. She is most certainly a LIFE CHANGER for every student she teaches.
A very loving & consistent leader!!!
I had the pleasure of working with Dr. Smith back in 2013-1014 at Rowan Elementary School. She has a heart of gold for children as well as for all mankind. She is a spectacular teacher she engages her students to become free thinkers, active learners. Her teaching method motivates students to be better people and inspires them to do their best. Dr. Smith works tirelessly to ensure that her students know that they are smart, capable, valued, and loved. Dr. Smith has a fun yet effective take charge attitude at any given situation, willing to provide guidance, compassion, and an encouraging word whenever needed. The genuine joy she brings to the classroom is revealed through the success of all her students. Dr. Smith is absolutely one dedicated educator whose life’s goal is to ensure supreme education for all children. Congratulations! Dr. Smith there is no one more suitable for this nomination, Life changer of the Year.
Dr. Smith has been a dear friend of mine for many years now. I have watched her grow into a woman of excellence. I have witnessed some of her most rewarding moments in life. I have also witnessed some of her greatest challenges. One aspect of her journey that has been so inspiring is her perseverance. I have marveled over the years at her unyielding character in the face of adversity. Dr. Smith always has an optimistic outlook on life and encourages others around her to do the same. These are the characteristics that make her such an impactful leader in education. She has changed the lives of so many of her students as well as their families. Her love and compassion for her students are unparalleled. Dr. Shannon Smith is most deserving of this honor for she is truly a LIFECHANGER!
It is with great pleasure and enthusiasm that I nominate Dr. Shannon Smith for LifeChanger of the Year. My observation of Dr. Smith began over twelve (12) years ago where I served as special education director of Hattiesburg Public School District and Dr. Smith served as a special education teacher. It was during this time that I saw a gifted and talented teacher grow and become a premiere educator through her work in the classroom and her commitment to graduate school.
Dr. Smith has always exemplified a sincere commitment to those she serve. Her desire to see that all students, most importantly students with disabilities, are treated with respect can not be matched. She does not hold the title of advocate, but she lives her life as an advocate for students with disabilities and "at-risk" youth. It is Dr. Smith who never shied away from taking a stand against what she deemed as unfair practices of students. If she believed that school administrators, teachers or other individuals were not being fair with students, she was not afraid to speak up on their behalf.
School administrators often called on her to work with the most challenging students knowing that if anyone could make a difference in the students' lives, she could do it. Dr. Smith did it by forming relationships with her students that were build on a solid foundation of trust. It was the norm for her to visit their homes and befriend parents. Dr. Smith believes that every child should be given the opportunity to reach their fullest potential by having access. Parents and students knew that Dr. Smith would and will continue to help them gain access.
Dr. Smith's advocacy for students went beyond the walls of the classroom. She spent many summers volunteering as a camp mentor with the local Association for the Rights of Citizens with Disabilities. In addition, her volunteering efforts led to work with the local Special Olympics and Access Recreation through the University of Southern Mississippi.
It is this retired educator's belief that Dr. Smith will continue to make strides in meeting the needs of students with disabilities, at-risk youth, and their families. Again, it is my sincere pleasure to nominate Dr. Shannon Smith for LifeChanger of the Year!
I can't think of a better person for this award than my dear friend, Dr. Shannon Smith. She is phenomenal every year with her group of kids, and she has the track record to prove it. Dr. Shannon doesn't allow her children's labels stand in the way of their success. She makes what people think should be impossible, possible because she has the Lord on her side. Teaching is already a tough job, and it's even tougher when you are a special education teacher. She accepts this responsibility willingly, knowing the great challenges involved. The hard work, dedication and service that she displays each and every day is like none other. Dr. Smith truly deserves this honor.
Dr. Shannon Smith is a very dedicated educator. She takes her job seriously as she positively impact the lives of children. She works hard to guide and teach each and every child to their full potential. She shows how to care for individuals in a very spiritually and unique way. Every child that has met her in any captivity, has been helped by Dr. Smith, to improve their learning experiences. I am proud to say that she is Mississippi life changer of the years.
First of all I would like to say that it has been a great privilege to work with Dr. Smith at Mendenhall Elementary. You have a heart of gold to inspire your students to do their best and be great. Our school is better because you are a part of it.
Congratulations. You are a wonderful teacher. You are a caring, life changing teacher.
Dr. Smith is one of the most genuine people I have ever met. I have had the opportunity to know her for many years and watch her grow into the amazing teacher she is today. She is selfless person that strives to take care of everyone she meets especially her students. No other person is more deserving of this award than Dr. Smith.
Congratulations on nomination, Dr. Smith! You are awesome.
~Best Wishes from Dr. Jordan~
Dr. Smith is a wonderful leader. She embodies her role as an educator with great passion and dedication. Her work inside and outside of the classroom is exemplary. She really is a life changer.
O, wow!! I don't know where to start. As long as I've known you, you've been a great friend and teacher. You've always push the students to their best potential. Your light of positivity shines brightly through your day to day living. I'm thankful that we crossed paths!??
I am proud to say that I am a friend and sister in Christ to this beautiful and phenomenal woman. Dr. Smith is a loving and caring person who is always concerned with those needs of others. That is why it is so befitting that she is an educator, devoting her interest around those having special needs. She has been known to go that extra mile for those she advocates for. She is strong and motivating force in the lives of many. I have no doubt that she will succeed in all her future endeavors.
I have been very blessed to have the opportunity to meet and work with Dr. Smith. It creates a wonderful work environment to be associated with such an educated God fearing colleague. I have learned so much from our conversations. Above all, I know that Dr. Smith truly has the best interest of each child she touches at heart.
Dr. Shannon Smith
I am a very proud of you. This is an exceptional award that you are worthy and deserving of. Once again I am proud of the lady/sis you are. Congratulations to you.
Dr. Smith is a wonderful, supportive, caring, and dedicated person to her career and the people she serve. She goes beyond the call of duty to meet the needs of each individual she supports. I had the pleasure to work with her and have seen her in action! Awesome, wonderful woman of God!!!
Dr. Smith works very hard to make sure that each student she works with is getting the best education. I have seen her fight so hard to make sure that students in her classroom are inclusive in organizations on campus. She is a life changer for every student that she encounters.
I highly recommend Dr. Shannon Smith as a candidate for Leadership. She embraces any opportunity for professional Leader. Dr. Smith has a wonderful rapport with people of all ages, especially children. I am glad Dr.Smith has chosen education as her profession. Dr. Shannon Smith will surely be an asset, and will make a great contribution to the field of education.
Beautiful soul! She has such a desire to see her students do more than just excel, she wants them to succeed.
Dr. Smith is one of the sweetest ladies I've ever meet. Her love for educating all children is second to none. Her expertise and knowledge should be used to help other special needs teachers. Dr. Smith deserves this award.
I don’t know anyone else who is more deserving of this nomination than Dr. Shannon Smith! Serving as my mentor first and now claimed as a big sister, I can without a doubt say that she is the reason I am where I am now when it comes to the knowledge/expertise in the world of Special Education.
Shannon Smith is committed to her students. She does what is needed and more for her students to experience success. She is the epitome of a Life Changer.
Outstanding special educator with great insight and commitment. Dedicated to the field of public education.
Dr. Smith is a very hard worker. She has a passion for the education profession. Dr. Smith goes above and beyond the call of duty to make sure her students have what they need. Whether it’s paper and pencil in the classroom, lunch money, or socks on their feet, she is willing to make sure they have what they need to be ready to learn and be their best at school. Dr. Smith is indeed a life changer!!!!
I, Kim Marshall mostly all her life . She has been raise in a Godly Christian way by two loving Christian parents. She has wonderful characteristics which she exhibits each and every day. As a educator she has been tried and true, she loves her student and tries her up most best to get along with anyone. She does what she says she going to do and does it, her word is bond. She is dedicated in whatever she place her mind on doing. She is a go getter! She will do well in any area of whatever field she is in. Yes, I’m careful who I place my stamp on (name). She is a hard and, thorougher worker, she completes her tasks whole-heartedly.
Dr. Smith is a highly qualified and dedicated teacher. She has worked with several of my students in the past and present. The students love her and look forward to going to her class. She goes above and beyond any expectations given to her. She is definitely a life changer for these students!
Dr. Smith makes a positive difference in her students live and coworkers. She enjoys making a difference. Luetricia Johnson
Working in SPED is a dedication to those with a wide variety of learning challenges. Dr. Shannon Smith has been around these students since a young child. She watched her mom and dad work diligently with her sister to see her succeed and overcome obstacles in her learning. I personally have known this family for 26 years and witness the love and patience to students with special needs. As her mom and I come to the end of our years of working with young children, it makes us proud to see Dr Shannon step up to push kids forward and motivate them to be more. My daughter also has stepped up and dedicated her life to help others through tough situations. I love seeing the younger generation caring and working to help others succeed. Dr Smith is a leader and motivator to the next generation coming up. I am honored to work with her this year and witness her caring and love for her family and students. The students know who really cares about them and you feel their love daily.
Dr. Smith is one of the strongest and most dedicated educators I have ever met. She truly cares for her students and colleagues; she advocates, coaches, and mentors on a daily basis. The best part is that this is the natural Dr. Smith. Dr. Shannon does not pretend. Her nature is teaching, and building a stronger individual, regardless of the age of that person. She works from the heart, means what she says, and backs what she says or does. Her aim is the increase all who are around her and she strengthens every life she touches. I consider Dr. Smith a powerful asset to any education team. I wish every school was fortunate enough to have multiple Dr. Shannon Smiths; they would be unstoppable.
Dr.Smith is one of the best to ever do it. She goes above and beyond for her students and colleagues.
Dr. Shannon cares about her students like I care about mine. Her and I work as Special Education teachers at the same school. She goes out of her way to instill learning into her students. She's always there as a friend and a fellow co-worker. Way to go, Shannon!
Dr Smith goes above and beyond for her students. She is funny, engaging, and a charismatic leader in the classroom, both elementary and middle school!
This is such an honor for Dr. Smith to be nominated. Ms.Bonner is such a sweet colleague to realize her true love and dedication for her students . I have seen first hand how Dr. Smith have changed the life of her students as well as their families. She has displayed nothing but concern and awesome compassion for all that she comes in contact with as an educator. May she be blessed with many more years empowering and shaping the minds of the children and communities that she serve.
