It only takes a few minutes to sense the excitement and enthusiasm Randy Smith brings to the classroom. His passion for science, sports, and Darlington is contagious. At times, students are so entertained by Mr. Smith’s antics; they do not realize they are mastering upper-level science skills.
In a lesson earlier this year, as he prepared to teach one of his classes, Mr. Smith spent time reviewing prerequisite skills used to perform metric conversions. The students practiced multiplying and dividing rational numbers. Then Mr. Smith introduced the mnemonic device, “King Henry Died Drinking Chocolate Milk,” to help students remember metric prefixes. The entire lesson was filled with laughter and music. At times, to encourage students to focus on key facts, Randy would burst into a dramatic rendition of the song, “Do You See What I See?”
Mr. Smith has a passion for all learners. Striving to meet the needs of every student, he shares information in a precise, step-by-step manner. He ensures all students are listening and understanding every new skill. Throughout his class, Randy frequently revisits and reviews important concepts. When it comes time for assessment, he uses a variety of methods to determine what a student has learned. He often uses technology to test students. In addition to traditional tests, he plans special projects. Currently, some of his classes are working on a hands-on, high-interest, research project involving animals and habitats.
Whether he is teaching colleagues how to use Quia, presenting at a conference on the benefits of a “Flipped Classroom,” planning field trips, coaching multiple sports, turning cartwheels during morning assembly, or teaching a science lesson, Randy Smith is recognized as an outstanding teacher and respected leader. We are inspired by the hard work, enthusiasm, and passion he brings to Darlington every day.
