W. E. Cherry Elementary Teacher of the Week

ORANGE PARK, FL -- It takes a special person to work with kids with special needs. A teacher at W. E. Cherry Elementary is making a real impact on her students' lives and she's our Teacher of the Week.

It's a quiet classroom in Laura Smith's kindergarten class. The students get a lot of one on one attention. "At the beginning of the year we set up goals for each of the children. Each have their individual goals we work on, in addition to academics. We work on those daily," said Smith.

Each student has specific needs and Mrs. Smith is very good at helping each one of them reach their goals. "I love it. It's amazing to see everyone's accomplishments from the beginning of the school year. I truly believe these kids can accomplish anything."

Many of the students don't know the alphabet at the beginning of the year, but within months they know their letters and the sounds; and they are beginning to read. It's a big accomplishment for any 5-year-old not just those with special needs.

One of her success stories is Terrance. When he started kindergarten he was unable to communicate, and had no social skills. His mother nominated Mrs. Smith for Teacher of the Week. In her letter, Charlotte Campbell wrote, "I'm writing this letter about this wonderful teacher because one of those children's lives that she has changed is my 5-year-old son, Terrance."

Smith has enjoyed working with Terrance in class. "He's made tremendous progress. In short, it's been amazing to watch him grow."

In her letter, Campbell also wrote, "She works so hard with these children within months there is remarkable improvement." She adds, "Imagine a child using only single words, but halfway through the school year, he can recite the Pledge of Allegiance."

"We see things every day; every day. I love it," said Smith.

At the end of the school day, each of the kids in her class feels good about what they've accomplished; and what they've learned; and can't wait to come back to class.

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