Leslie Smies is our school’s newest intensive resource teacher. She supports students with different gifts and abilities in her classroom, helping them to become the best versions of themselves.
Favorite musical artist?
I like a wide variety of music. I wouldn’t say that I have a favorite, but the music I like is probably the 2000s.
Average coffee intake?
Two to three cups a day.
Pet peeve in the classroom?
When people don’t use their time wisely.
What do you do outside of school?
I spend a lot of time with my family. I have four kids, and they’re really busy with sports, so I watch a lot of that. I like to walk my dogs, and I like to run and read when I have time.
How long have you been teaching?
I’ve been teaching for a total of 18 years in a variety of settings.
Where did you go to high school?
White Hall, Michigan.
Where did you go to college?
Hope and Grand Valley.
Have you found something more difficult than you expected transitioning to Grand Haven?
I used to travel for work, so I would go to different schools in the county. It’s very different being in one place, and there are things that are challenging with that, but then it’s also nice to have a home base instead of my car.
Have you felt accepted at GHAPS?
Yes, very much. The whole staff has been very welcoming.
Have you always wanted to work in education?
Yes.
What makes your classroom unique?
I work with a wide variety of students who have different gifts and abilities, they all have something they’re really great at. I think that’s cool about them.
What does your typical planning hour look like?
I typically make sure I have everything planned for my afternoon classes, everything ready to go. I work on any sort of grading and documentation I need to work on, and make sure that I’m up to date with all of my paperwork and things like that. Make phone calls.
Final comments:
I really am happy that I’m here. I’ve been in a few different educational settings, and this is a great supportive place to be, both students and staff.