Mrs. Erika Smith

Mrs. Erika Smith resides in Bowen, IL with her husband and two daughters. Her youngest attends SPPS and will be in first grade this year. Mrs. Smith has her Bachelors of Science in Psychology from Culver-Stockton College where she graduated with Honors. Mrs. Smith utilized her psychology degree and was a family counselor for eight years where she encouraged individuals and families to develop and use skills and strategies to confront problems head on and in a constructive manner. She has over fifteen years of working with children with mental health or intellectual disability diagnosis. Mrs. Smith loves working with children and felt she was being called to be a teacher. She completed her Illinois Teacher Certificate and Licensure in the summer of 2023. She started her education career teaching Preschool, this will be her second year teaching first grade.  Mrs. Smith strives for perfection and is dedicated to becoming the best teacher she can be.

"I have spent years mentoring and teaching individuals of all ages; however, it was done in a different format.  I am excited to take a shift in the way I can teach and learn.  Children more than ever need love, discipline, structure, guidance, and faith.  I hope that the classroom is a safe spot for all the students to feel they can express their feelings and unique individual personalities as they learn and grow in their education and love for God.  Whether it is my first or tenth year of teaching, I know that I will always be learning with and for them as new discoveries and advancements evolve."-- Mrs. Erika Smith