Sacajawea Jr. High math teacher is Idaho Teacher of the Year

Kelli Smith talks about her selection as Teacher of the Year.

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Story Published: Nov 3, 2009 at 9:31 PM PDT

Story Updated: Nov 4, 2009 at 9:49 PM PDT

By Stephanie Smith

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LEWISTON - Idaho's Teacher of the Year was announced by State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Luna Tuesday at an assembly at Sacajawea Junior High.

The honor went to math teacher Kelli Smith.

"It's exciting, it's a little intimidating but I am really proud of all the work that all the teachers here at Sac do," said Smith. "So I am glad that Sac is getting a reward and being recognized for what we do for kids."

Smith, 29, teaches 8th grade math. She says she tries to make math fun for her students.

"I try to do some different hands-on things, like we'll take Barbie dolls bungee jumping, or we will use colored bubbles and explore pi that way. I just try to find things other than paperwork all the time."

The Lapwai High grad and LCSC alum first won district Teacher of the Year after being nominated by co-workers and students.

Now Smith will go on to compete for the national title.

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