Misty Smith has been named the 2024-2025 Fairfi eld Elementary School Teacher of the Year.
“I am very honored to be named Teacher of the Year. As a teacher, I am always trying to find ways to improve,” Smith said. “I know for me personally, I am always thinking I could do more. So for others to see and acknowledge my hard work is very fulfilling.”
Smith is originally from Teague and graduated from Teague High School in 2000. She started at Navarro Community College and received her Associates in 2015. She then finished her teaching degree from Texas A&M Commerce in 2017. Smith also has her ESL certification and Special Education certification.
Smith is currently in her eighth year of teaching, all at FISD. For the first six years she taught first grade. The past two years, she has been teaching Pre-K and PPCD (Preschool Program for Children with Disabilities.
“Mrs. Smith is a remarkable educator because she combines experience, passion, and dedication to ensure her students thrive. Starting as a first grade teacher at Fairfield Elementary, where she taught for six years, she built a love for early childhood education,” Fairfield Elementary School Principal Kelly Walters said. “Her transition to Pre-K and special education within Pre-K over the last two years demonstrates her commitment to meeting the unique needs of every student.”
Before becoming a teacher, she was a paraprofessional at Teague ISD in Life Skills for three years and a Pre-K paraprofessional for one year. During her senior year of college, she started her student teaching in Fairfield in first grade with Shonda Isaacs and fourth grade with Stephanie Thorne.
When asked what makes Smith special to Fairfield Elementary, Walters said, “Mrs. Smith is very special to Fairfield Elementary School. Her genuine love for her students and her tireless efforts to meet their individual needs have earned her the trust and admiration of not just her students, but also their families and her colleagues. Mrs. Smith’s patience and positivity inspire everyone around her, creating a welcoming and inclusive environment where children feel valued and supported. She isn’t just an educator - she’s a source of comfort, encouragement, and joy, making her an irreplaceable part of the Fairfield Elementary School family.”
Shs says that her favorite memories in teaching are seeing the moment a student gets what she has been working so hard to teach them.
“I love the challenges and the rewards that teaching entails,” Smith said. “The joy and understanding on their faces are priceless.”
Misty married her high school sweetheart, Adam Smith. They have been married for 25 years and have three children, Sydney (22), Piper (21), Declan (19). They are all attending different colleges and working on their degrees.
“Mrs. Smith’s passion for teaching has been a driving force throughout her career. She embraces the daily challenges and rewards of her profession with enthusiasm and grace, continually striving to make a difference in her students’ lives,” Walters said. “Her love for education and her commitment to helping children succeed are evident in everything she does, making her an exceptional role model and an invaluable asset to the Fairfi eld community.”
Some of Smith’s hobbies include traveling, reading, swimming in the summer, and spending time with her family.
