At Atherton, Mr. Smith teaches chemistry and physics. He has been teaching for 28 years, and has been at Atherton since 2012.
Smith originally majored in chemistry in college, but decided to teach after enjoying interacting with students when running the chemistry labs. He went to Teach For America in Arkansas for a couple years, before getting a Bachelor of Arts in Chemistry at ST John’s University of Minnesota, and a Masters degree in Physical Chemistry at Indiana University. Before Atherton, Smith taught not only in Arkansas, but also at catholic school Roncalli, at a middle school in North Carolina, at Warren Wilson College, and at the local high school Pleasant Ridge Park (PRP).
Smith joined Atherton for its close location, reputation, and his connections to those in the science department. He enjoys how the students are all unique and motivated.
“I feel like students here are excited to learn for the most part, and I like doing a lot of hands-on things. Students seem to enjoy that in the classes. I enjoy the diversity of students,” Smith said.
His favorite subjects to teach include mechanics, like forces and motion, since it involves more interactive experiments with students. Smith enjoys anytime students can be creative when working.
After school, Smith runs the Ping Pong Club. He occasionally helps out with the Ocean Science Bowl Club, and has also been Department Chair of the Science Department.
In his free time, Smith enjoys cooking and baking bread. He also likes to hike with his family. His favorite hobby is playing games. He plays pickleball, tennis, and ping pong. Smith enjoys outdoor games like kan-jam and spikeball. He likes games not only for their competition, but the ways they bring people together.
“The competition and growing closer to each other is just fun. I like how it builds relationships with people,” Smith said.
While teaching at Atherton, a valuable lesson he has learned from his students is how to acknowledge and respect differences.
“I’ve learned how students are a lot different from one another. You just have to treat each one with respect so you can learn more about them,” Smith said.
