Matthew S.

Smith
6426 Loring Drive; Columbia, MD 21045
443-319-5558; matthewssmith17@gmail.com

English Educational Goal #6:

Serving as a leader in my classroom, school, and educational community by

continuing to act as a student of my own teaching and an energetic participant in
the ongoing national conversation about best practices for reaching our students.
(Professional Development)

I am dedicated not only to improving my teaching but also in making sure the education
community in general is always finding new and better ways to reach our students. As a result, I
have worked hard to become a leader in programs I think provide powerful assistance to teachers.
I have been involved with the National Writing Project for the past 2 years as a consultant and
eventually Technology Liaison for the University of Maryland Writing Project. Through this
organization I have taken part in and led many seminars on how to incorporate technology into
the classroom and how to develop as students of our own teaching practices. At my school I have
also served as a Varsity Soccer Coach and a lead encourager for the First Generation College
Bound Program. Below are a handful of the professional development workshops I have helped
develop and present:

(Samples in folder) The Musical Classroom

(Materials for a professional development workshop on
exploring literature through writing and music that I have
presented several times through my work with the University
of Maryland Writing Project)

(Sample in folder) Diving Into Digital Storytelling

(A seminar I helped lead on developing technology-focused
professional development presentations at the National Writing
Project Annual Meeting in Philadelphia in 2009)

(Samples in folder) Exploiting the Reading/Writing Connection Using Digital

and Online Tools
(A presentation for area Reading Specialists I lead through my
work with the University of Maryland Writing Project)