Welcome To
my classroom

“Learn from yesterday, live for today, hope for tomorrow. The important thing is not to stop questioning”

-Albert Einstein

Ned Smith

Hello There, I’m Ned. 

Welcome to Inspired Vision Academy! I’m Ned Smith, hailing from the picturesque town of Roxbury, Connecticut.

My educational journey began when I attended the Taft School, located in Watertown, CT. Seeking new experiences and knowledge, I ventured south to Tulane University, where I obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science. Living in New Orleans was an extraordinary experience as it is truly a city like no other. The vibrant tapestry of cultures in New Orleans has shaped my appreciation for music, food, and the lively tradition of parades. I love everything sports, movies, and the outdoors. Geaux Saints! 

I  settled in Dallas by way of New York with my wife. Achieving my master’s in education from SMU in 2024, I’m excited to impart on you all of my world experiences as I incorporate them into our classroom.

 

Lets Take a tour of your new classroom

A common layout for a math classroom is a combination of individual desks and group tables. Desks are equipped with wheels for easy manipulation during group activities. We periodically arranged group tables, placed strategically throughout the classroom, to allow for collaborative activities and discussions among students. When grouping desks, they are arranged in a way that promotes collaboration and engagement. This setup encourages peer learning, problem-solving, and communication skills development, all of which are important in math education.

However, after assessing classroom management mid-semester, my co-teacher and I found that aligning the desks in rows proved to be more effective. In my digital design, two individual desks are positioned in the front of the classroom, providing persons with disabilities, the personal space they need while minimizing distractions. Depending on the student population, navigating between groups proves challenging and poses potential safety hazards. As a result, I position myself along the right exterior walls to monitor students during direct instruction. This positioning allows me to easily walk the rows and provide individual attention when needed.

Philosophy on Education

Raised in a family of educators, I’ve always contemplated a career in teaching. My mother, the most influential teacher in my life, dedicated 35 years to being a first-grade teacher, specializing in ESL and special education. She instilled in me an inherited empathy that has become an integral part of my character. Sadly, my mother passed away after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer at the age of 57.

In 2017, I too faced a significant health challenge that required me to step away from work for several months following a major surgery. During that time of reflection and recovery, I questioned my career path and examined what truly fulfilled me. It became evident that teaching was my true calling.

I find myself deeply moved by a natural urge to assist those around me who are struggling to grasp a concept or achieve a goal. Watching others learn, grow, and succeed brings me great joy. I believe that these qualities, combined with my skills and passion, are the ingredients that make me an exceptional teacher.

I am devoted to creating a learning environment that nurtures critical thinking, collaboration, and an appreciation for the diverse perspectives that shape our world. By encouraging students to apply mathematical concepts to real-life situations, think scientifically, and engage in inquiry-based learning, I aim to develop their critical thinking skills and foster a lifelong love for math and science. In my classroom, learning is a collaborative effort, following the philosophy of “See one, do one, teach one.”

A common question I often hear from my students is, “Why do we need to learn math?” In response, I draw an analogy between our approach and the construction of a skyscraper. When building a skyscraper, one doesn’t start by constructing or designing it from the top down. We place a strong emphasis on establishing a solid foundation. Mathematics provides a foundation of critical thinking, problem-solving, and executive functioning skills that are transferable across all curricula. These skills empower my students to overcome adversity in life beyond the classroom.

My classroom combines traditional learning practices with the integration of technology, fostering student engagement. Various online learning platforms offer interactive activities, assessments, and educational games specifically designed to reinforce math concepts. By utilizing technological tools, my students benefit from personalized learning experiences, and easy access to digital resources. The integration of technology enhances student learning, collaboration, and problem-solving skills in the digital age.

Whether through small group work or individual practice, my classroom supports effective instruction, encourages student engagement and collaboration. I aim to create a safe and efficient learning environment. The connections between my layout decisions and content are evident in the emphasis on visual aids, collaborative spaces, access to resources, and overall safety considerations.

Lastly, I do not solely measure success based on metrics and test scores. My primary objective is to instill in my students the significance of organization and accountability. Demonstrating their work and applying critical thinking far outweighs the importance of arriving at the final answer.

My Resume

View or Download the resume in PDF format.

References

Karla del Rosal, Ph.D.

Clinical Assistant Professor
SMU Department of Teaching and Learning

 6401 Airline Rd, Suite 301
Dallas, TX 75205

karla@smu.edu

496-866-4463 

Relationship: Professor

 

Malen Kemp

7th Grade Mathematics

Highland Park Middle School

3555 Granada Drive
Dallas, Tx. 75205

Kempm@HPISD.org

214-780-3600 

Relationship: Co-Teacher

 

 

Edward A. Kameen

Assistant Principal

Hillcrest High School

3665 S Industrial Dr., Simpsonville
Simpsonville, SC 29681

ekameen@greenville.k12.sc.us

443-695-0165

Relationship: Mentor

Contact

Ned Smith

203-417-1981

nsmith@hpisd.edu

https://classroom.google.com/mr.smith

Class Code: l47hahg