Kristen Aanerud-Smith, this week’s featured A+ Teacher, has a passion for science that she brings into her fifth grade classroom at Davenport Elementary School. After working as a marine biologist at Sea World and The Florida Aquarium for 16 years, Smith is now using her knowledge and experience to inspire her students about the world beyond their everyday lives.
Smith was inspired to pursue a career in marine biology by a book about sharks her dad gave her on her 10th birthday. She credits him with encouraging her to follow her dreams. Now, she shares pictures of her past experiences in marine biology with her students to spark excitement and curiosity in the classroom.
This is Smith’s sixth year of teaching, and her second at Davenport Elementary. She enjoys incorporating hands-on activities into her lessons, such as observing caterpillars turn into butterflies and caring for a vegetable and herb garden. Through grants she secured, she was able to fund a hydro garden for her students, providing them with unique learning experiences that extend beyond the classroom.
Drawing from her background in grant writing and marine biology, Smith aims to provide her students with engaging, hands-on learning opportunities that inspire them to do their best, be positive, and take their learning beyond the classroom into the real world.
