Kathryn Smith has been named the third ever recipient of the Federal Way Teacher of the Year award from Communities In Schools of Federal Way.

Colleagues, administrators, parents and students concur that it’s an honor she well deserves, saying Smith is a gifted educator, and a whole lot more. The award was presented at the annual Federal Way Literacy Breakfast on Friday, Feb. 26, 2010.

As a recipient of the Teacher of the Year Award, Kathryn will receive a $500 for her classroom from Communities In Schools.

With 8 years of teaching experience in kindergarten and first grade classrooms at Olympic View, Smith is recognized as an exceptionally dedicated teacher, said Olympic View principal Cindy Dracobly in her nomination letter.

“She continually seeks ways to improve her skills as a teacher and to improve student performance,” Dracobly said. “She is dedicated not only to her own students, but to the school as a whole. She participates and offers her leadership on many building and district committees. She willingly gives of her time and energy far beyond the school day.”

Smith consistently holds her students to high standards for behavior and academic performance. She maintains a record of getting most, if not all, of her students to standard and beyond by the end of the school year. She incorporates technology into her curriculum and infuses social skills into her lessons. And her students adore her.

“She creates lessons, chants and activities that engage the students; so much so that her students think they are just having fun when meaningful learning is taking place,” said second-grade teacher Kellie Grav. “Ms. Smith also provides a warm, encouraging environment where students feel safe and encouraged to achieve to their greatest potential. She consistently differentiates for each student to meet their unique needs, whether that be re-teaching or extension beyond kindergarten curriculum.”

Smith has been known to attend to her students' needs even when they extend outside of the classroom. She makes extra efforts to help students who come from families that are economically challenged - ensuring that students have uniforms and supplies. During the holidays, she sends books home as gifts for her students. This past year, she pulled together the resources to provide gifts for one of the families in her class. And when students show up to school without clean clothes, Smith takes home their uniforms and washes them herself.

In addition to serving her students, Smith serves her fellow teachers as a respected mentor and a role model. “Kathryn is a valuable resource to the staff at Olympic View Elementary," said Amanda Myers, a special education teacher at Olympic View. "Kathryn is often seen talking with parents before and after school. As a colleague, Kathryn is a fabulous resource for curricular ideas, materials, support and encouragement. She has mentored and supported countless new kindergarten teachers."