My name is Ashley Smith and I am the Pre-K teacher at Roycemore School. It is a great pleasure and privilege watching the Pre-K kiddos personalities grow day by day and see how they develop in their learning. We laugh, play, study, learn and enrich our lives everyday! I care deeply about my students and will always have an interest in them and their destinies – wherever they may go, whatever they do, and whoever they become!
I am originally from New England where most of my extended family still live. My family moved to Florida when I was a young teen. I am the second oldest out of five kids and we grew up in a household where academics and athletics were very important. I received a full athletic scholarship to the University of Wisconsin where I earned a degree in Sociology. I then went to work for CBS Radio and Clear Channel Communications as a Sales Executive. I quickly learned that selling airtime to local businesses was not for me. The money was great, but money doesn’t (always) bring happiness.
I then went back to school and received my Early Childhood Teaching License from Kendall College. While in school I started working at Roycemore as a Pre-K Teaching Assistant. This is where I began to fall in love with teaching and working with little kids. A few years later I earned my license, and a few months after that I was the lead Pre-K teacher at Roycemore.
I currently live in Skokie with my husband, daughter, and two four-legged friends! My husband Jeff and I have been married for almost 4 years. We have a little girl named Eva who is an active toddler and keeps us very busy! Besides taking care of my family, I love cooking, online shopping, watching the seasons change, and binge watching my favorite TV shows!
“You’re off to great places, Today is your day, Your mountain is waiting, So get on your way!” – Dr. Seuss
Teaching preschool is a personally rewarding profession. Everyday I get the opportunity to work with young children and help them grow and develop. I get to experience things with them for the first time and see the excitement in their eyes! Being a preschool teacher allows me to play various roles. Everyday I am a coach, referee, role-model, mom, janitor, psychologist, friend, waitress, moderator, comforter, mind reader, and nurse. There is never a dull moment and no day is ever the same! My favorite part of being a preschool teacher is that I truly get to appreciate the little things in life, and know not to take life too seriously. I also love the little things they say, it always puts a smile on my face because at this age they are so innocent and honest. Being a preschool teacher is a job that I love, and of course it doesn’t hurt to have summers off!
As a preschool teacher I hope to set each kiddo up for success and create a learning environment that helps each child reach their fullest potential. I also hope to create a love of learning and foster creativity and curiosity.
When I began my teaching career, it began at Roycemore. I knew from day one that something special was happening here. Almost five years later, it still feels that way!