Graduate Student Highlight | Aimee Smith

"I felt the Curriculum and Instruction program would provide me with ample knowledge and opportunities to enrich my teaching practices across the variety of situations I encounter in my day-to-day roles."

Aimee Smith, Curriculum & Instruction M.S.

Program

Curriculum and Instruction (M.S.)

Department

Education

Graduate School
Graduate Student

Academics
Education

02/01/2021

Hood graduate student Aimee Smith is enrolled in the Curriculum & Instruction M.S. program. She currently works as a special education teacher at Linganore High School in Frederick County, MD.

Please provide a brief bio including your educational and career background.

My name is Aimee Smith, I am in my 8th year teaching special education for Frederick County Public Schools.

I am currently a special education teacher, case manager, and reading intervention teacher at Linganore High School. Prior to working at Linganore High School, I was a special education teacher and case manager at Heather Ridge School.

I received my bachelor’s degree in Elementary and Special Education from Hood College in May of 2013 and am currently working towards my master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction with a concentration in special education at Hood College!

Why did you choose Hood College and this program in particular?

My undergraduate experience at Hood College provided me with rigorous coursework and authentic experiences that prepared me for life in the teaching world.

After having such a positive experience at the undergraduate level, I knew I wanted to pursue my master's degree with Hood College as well.

As a special education teacher, I work with students and staff across all content areas. I felt the Curriculum and Instruction program would provide me with ample knowledge and opportunities to enrich my teaching practices across the variety of situations I encounter in my day-to-day roles.

What do you enjoy most about being at Hood College? Do you have a favorite college memory so far?

I really enjoy the small class sizes and opportunities for collaboration. With such an intimate learning community, I have been able to get to know both my professors and my classmates.

Hood College has provided me with so many great memories, I don’t think I can pick just one!

Tell us about your capstone research project.

The purpose of my action research project is to show the effects of a social emotional learning (SEL) curriculum on the reading comprehension skills of students that receive special education supports and services. My research question is: How will implementing social emotional learning strategies to students with special education services impact their reading comprehension skills?

I have designed and implemented a 9-week methodology that incorporates strategies specific to teaching skills in the 5 areas of social emotional learning (self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision making). I am extremely passionate about SEL and care deeply about the social emotional wellbeing of my students.

How has your graduate degree coursework helped further your career and/or your life?

Through my graduate degree coursework, I have deepened my understanding of curriculum and instruction. I have challenged my own thinking, built upon my educational philosophy, and expanded my knowledge. This program has added more tools to my toolbox!

Inspired by Aimee’s story and ready to #GOFURTHER in your career? Learn about Hood’s graduate programs, including the Curriculum and Instruction program, by clicking here.