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For more information about Maureen Smith's work, review her profile.

Maureen Smith: Helping teachers realize the pathway to their calling

By Lauren Huffman

"When I first meet ISU students, they are still thinking like students and even view teaching through the eyes of a student. But by the time they graduate, they are thinking like teachers and looking at teaching as a teacher. They realize the challenge that is before them, but are ready to take it on. Being a part of that, being able to watch them grow and understand the challenge and being willing to take it on, is very exciting and I'm excited to say that I may have had a small part in it all." — Maureen Smith, advisor, Curriculum & Instruction

(February 8, 2010) Maureen Smith's love for her job is evident. She is eager to talk about her work, and lights up when she talks about the students that she has an opportunity to work with.

She believes that there is something that sets education majors apart from the rest, that they have a uniqueness that qualifies them for teaching. She also believes in her students. "Those who become teachers and continue in teaching have a rare quality of personality, perseverance, and a love of learning. They want to contribute to society and believe that all children can learn and they go the extra mile or two to find a way to make that learning happen."

"I'm proud to be part of such a noble profession," she adds.

And she is proud to be part of such a renowned institution, too. Smith, an ISU alumna herself, feels gratified when teachers and principals throughout the state tell her that ISU's teacher candidates are the best prepared. "It is exciting to be a part of this great tradition and knowing that the University is still, even after all these years, doing a great job of preparing teachers."

Though she retains a passion for the profession and the teachers, Smith did not anticipate herself working in the field of education. "After a few semesters in the wrong major, I knew that there was no fighting it, I was born to be a teacher and I'd better just accept the fact and prepare myself for that task. I switched my major to History Education. That was over 25 years ago and I've never regretted making that decision."

Smith has taught students of all ages, including junior high, high school, community college, and then she eventually came to ISU to the Department of Curriculum and Instruction. She has since moved on to doing primarily academic advisement. Although she still teaches one course a semester, a C&I course focusing on current issues in education. When asked if she misses the classroom, Maureen replied with, "I teach every day, it is often just one-on-one."

Smith works with students, helping them navigate the path to pursue the teacher education major that they have chosen. Combined, the C&I advisors advise over 1,800 students in the Cecilia J. Lauby Teacher Education Center. To some, this volume of students might seem daunting. But Smith relishes the opportunity to watch the students who come into her office grow into successful teachers. She mentions the "difficult to quantify" qualities that teacher education majors possess, that these students hear the calling to become teachers. Smith loves to watch it all click for them.

"I like the details, the challenges, and the students, and when you put them all together, it is very exciting when the puzzle fits together.

Occasionally, Smith's students face difficulties as they pursue their academic studies. Students might be dealing with a life-changing event, which might interrupt their plan of study. However, Smith treats this as an opportunity to lend a helping hand where it is needed. "We assess the situation, and come up with a plan that they can manage," she says. "Seeing them fulfill their dream is very satisfying."

In addition to advising and teaching, Smith keeps herself busy with projects and service work. Right now, she is in the process of developing an advising handbook that will serve as a reference for students to seek out the information that is often difficult to find. She contends that the book, "will not in any way replace an advisor, but in this information age, students should be able to feel a little more in control."

Smith also works with the Golden Apple Foundation in Chicago, which gives scholarships to students who agree to teach in a school of need for at least five years. The organization also selects classroom teachers who excel at their job, and grants sabbatical for them to continue their education. "Being a part of this evaluation process is very thorough and has been both interesting and rewarding."

As she looks back on nearly 16 years in the College of Education, her biggest accomplishment is witnessing hundreds of students graduate and enter into the teaching profession. "It is exciting to see young, eager students train to be the teachers of the leaders of tomorrow."

Smith has just recently been awarded the Herb Sanders Award for Outstanding Academic Advisement, an award which annually recognizes an advisor who demonstrates a caring attitude toward students, demonstrates assertiveness in their contact with students, and supports campus-wide academic advisement. This honor is particularly validating for Smith because it was designated to her by her colleagues. "It is both humbling and rewarding that others, who do this very job in other departments, recognize you and your ability. It's been worth all the headaches and frustrations when you know what you do makes a difference in the lives of others."