Hilary Smith holds a B.A. in Journalism from Long Island University, Brooklyn Campus, a MSEd in Childhood Education from Hunter College, and has been teaching Kindergarten at the UFT Charter School, Elementary Academy for the last three years. She currently is grade leader of the Kindergarten grade team. As grade leader, Hilary has crafted a year-long Social Studies and Science curriculum focusing on the geography, environmental science, and culture of the seven continents, with the aid of the CORE Knowledge curriculum. Also while at the UFTCSEA, Hilary has participated in many school-wide committees focusing on Literacy instruction, data collection, assessment purpose, annual art fairs, and the school hiring committee. Hilary also assists in the screening and evaluation of new Kindergarten students each Spring.

Hilary is also an active participant in the Learning through the Extended Art Program’s ALLL K-2 series and in the Move to Improve Physical Activity grant, incorporating the many strategies from these programs in her classroom. In addition, Hilary has many personal interests and hobbies that she likes to share with her students. In her classroom, she has created centers focusing on crochet and sewing to help her student develop their fine motor skills and to connect artisan crafts to the grade’s curriculum. She is also an aspiring author who enjoys creating stories for and with her students. Many of her centers involve bringing elements, such as snails and moth caterpillars, from the neighborhood around the school for her students to investigate and inspire writing.

Hilary enjoys the time spent with the students in her school and looks forward to continue her contribution to her school community.

"I think that professional development should be a collaboration between teaching professionals."

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