Hello parents and students!

My name is Stacey-Ann Whyte Smith. I am married with three wonderful girls, Olivia, Allaire and Kaeley. I am from the small Island of Jamaica that is located in the Caribbean. I have been living in North Carolina for the past five years enjoying the rich diversity that the city of Durham has to offer. I have a Maters degree in education (M.ED) with a specialty in Mathematics and Reading.This is my first year teaching here at The Institute for the Development of Young Leaders (IDYL) Charter school. I have been a teacher for over 11 years. I have always had a passion for teaching and a strong belief that "Education is the key to Success" . My philosophy strongly supports the fact that every child can learn and as a teacher, I must use effective pedagogy to ensure that all students learn in any capacity that showcases their abilities. My hubbies are reading and meeting people. I enjoy taking trips with my family. I look forward to a wonderful year teaching and learning with my awesome 6th and 7th grade students..

 About my classroom

My classroom is a teaching and learning environment that caters to the holistic development of all students. I employ teaching and learning strategies that are conducive to learning as I seek to cater to the diverse learning needs of all students. As a classroom teacher, I strive to improve academic growth, thus scaffolding students understanding of concepts through differentiated institutions. My class is designed for students in 6th and 7th grade who are learning math and science curriculum. 

 My philosophy

A philosophy can be defined as 'the most basic beliefs, concepts, and attitudes of an individual or group'. I therefore believe that the teaching and learning process is one in which every individual plays an important and effective role. The socio-cultural theory of Lev Vygotsky (Cherry 2011), advocate that the agents of socialization such as the school, the home, the church and the community are placed at the forefront of this process. As a dedicated teacher, I will incorporate teaching and learning strategies necessary to ensure that every child in the classroom experiences learning. Every child can learn in one capacity or the other; no matter the degree of learning difficulties that they face, learning will take place.