Teacher of the Year Finalist Spotlight: Aaronda Smith, George Bannerman Dealey Montessori and Vanguard Academy

Dallas ISD celebrates teaching excellence by recognizing outstanding educators who are making a difference in the lives of students every day. Meet 2021-2022 Teacher of the Year finalist Aaronda Smith.

Aaronda Smith is a Reading Language Arts Honors 8th grade instructor at George Bannerman Dealey Montessori and Vanguard Academy. A 16-year Dallas ISD veteran teacher, Smith has instructed middle and high school students at three institutions of learning in a variety of disciplines, including reading, debate, strategies for success, literary genres, and creative writing.

In 2015, Smith started Dealey Montessori’s Debate Program, and since then the team has consistently earned high marks and a plethora of awards.  She is a graduate of the University of Texas at Arlington with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and a Master of Arts degree in Education Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Phoenix.

Throughout her career, she has served in various leadership roles, including Campus Instructional Leadership Team member, Instructional Coach, Site-Based Decision Making team member, mentor teacher, English contact for school programs, and Global Awareness head for implementation of campus global studies. 

Smith has one goal in life: to humbly serve every person God places in her path and ensure they leave her presence better than they were before walking into it.

Aaronda Smith is one of the 2021-2022 Choice/Magnet Teacher of the Year finalists. From the finalists, one teacher will be selected from each category to represent Dallas ISD as Teacher of the Year. Winners will be announced at the inaugural 2021-2022 Dallas ISD Educator of the Year Awards, in partnership with the Dallas Education Foundation, presented by Reliant at the Statler Hotel on May 10, 2022.

View the full list of the 2021-2022 Teacher of the Year finalists here.