Julie Smith

	Educational Specialist Email Here Phone: 707.839.3909

Preferred Student Grade Level :

• 8-12

Geographic Area :

• Trinidad-Fortuna

Credentials:

• BA Social Science, Humboldt State University
• CLAD Certification
• HOUSSE through all grade levels
• Single Subject Teaching Credential - Social Science
• MA Candidate - American History
  

Bio:

“Life is a big canvas and you should throw as much paint on it as you can."  I have always loved this quote, for it has a way of explaining who I am as a person.  I love the creative; I love the "thinking outside the box," method of life.  Not only do I believe that we are all very different, but I believe that each and every one of us has something wonderful to offer the world.

I grew up in Laguna Beach, so I really am an old "surf rat."  After moving up to Humboldt County, I began my adventures in college looking seriously at becoming a sociologist.  Of course, at the ripe old age of 17, I had no idea what I really wanted to be when I grew up, so I continued my search.  After gaining a degree in horticulture/landscape design, I decided that this was a hobby but not necessarily something that I really wanted to do for a living.

Nonetheless, I continued my journey, for not only did I have three children by now, but I also had my dogs, which by the way, I am a devoted ‘labluver’.

As I continued to grow as a person, I knew that my passions were in history, both American and World, therefore, travel has been and will continue to be my love.  I truly gain pleasure in working with students in all areas of education, however, History, Geography, Government and English are truly my passions.  Equally important, students who love the creative and have the ability to "think outside the box," really move and excite me as a person.

The outdoors are a must for me and I am a devoted "gym rat."  No, I don't surf anymore, but I do spend as much time as possible at the beach watching my dog (lab) surf.  My husband and I love sports, hiking, working in the garden, spending time with our children and traveling.

I love teaching and I gain true pleasure when I am able to open up the world to students helping them gain perspective that the WORLD is an enormous place with many opportunities for them to "throw their own paint on the canvas of our planet."

By the way, I love music, all music except rap and country.  Sorry, country fans, but I grew up with "classic Rock," and still I am devoted to that genre.

Additional Notes:

I have been a "site director" in a site program for 5 years.  Therefore, I understand the classroom very well.  Equally important, I was a home school parent long before it was popular, meaning I get it!  The transition to being an IS teacher will almost be like returning to my roots.  As stated, I know where to find information, I am a visionary, I think outside the box, and it is my hope that someday I might be part of creating a vital educational travel team at MVCS, for I am of the belief that children learn more by doing.  Resident expert?  Well, I don't know about this, but I do know that tapping in to what makes people passionate and excited is something that I work very hard at doing.  Again, life is a big canvas and it's my goal to aid students in throwing their own color paint on that canvas.