Kristen Aanerud-Smith, a passionate and dedicated teacher, is this week’s featured A+ Educator. Smith began her career in marine biology at Sea World and The Florida Aquarium, where she worked for 16 years before transitioning into teaching. Now in her fifth grade classroom at Davenport Elementary School, she continues to share her love of science with her students.
Smith’s passion for marine biology was sparked by a book about sharks her father gave her on her tenth birthday. From that moment on, he encouraged her to pursue her dreams and follow her passions. This encouragement led Smith to pursue a career in marine biology and eventually to teach.
As a seasoned educator, Smith brings a wealth of experience to the classroom. In addition to incorporating hands-on activities into her lessons such as observing caterpillars turn into butterflies and caring for a vegetable and herb garden, she has also secured grants to fund unique learning experiences for her students including a hydro garden that provides them with an engaging way to learn about aquatic life.
Smith’s ultimate goal as an educator is to inspire her students to do their best, be positive, and take their learning beyond the classroom into the real world. Drawing from her background in grant writing and marine biology, she aims to provide her students with engaging, hands-on learning opportunities that will help them develop a lifelong love of learning.