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Hello!  My name is Kate Smith and I am so excited to be teaching at WSCA!  I grew up in Roseville and was myself, an AP student, before graduating from Woodcreek High School and heading down to Cal Poly for four years.  I have a degree in History and two credentials: Social Science and English.  I also have an MA in History from Sac State. When I am not in the classroom you can usually find me watching a classic movie (i.e. “Singing in the Rain”), reading a book in a coffee shop or perusing one of the many amazing museums we have in the Sacramento area.  I am married to Kenneth Smith. 

In the classroom I strive to encourage students to think critically, discuss diverse ideas and conduct themselves with integrity.  To accomplish these goals, I like to incorporate simulations, primary and secondary sources, media, technology, lecture and other activities to get students engaged in the curriculum. 

I believe that the key to success is to do what you love.  I love History and teaching but most of all, I LOVE working with students.  I did not always want to be a teacher.  Even as a candidate enrolled in the credential program at Cal Poly, I had my doubts.  All these doubts vanished the day I taught my very first solo lesson.  It wasn’t the content (Louisiana Purchase) although I definitely enjoyed that but rather the students that confirmed my purpose in life was to be a teacher.  I remember thinking as I drove home that day, that this was something I wanted to do the rest of my life.  My experience in the classroom has ultimately shown me that it does not matter what subject I am teaching as long as I get to work with students, hear their thoughts, read their essays and ask big idea questions.  I am a lifelong learner and my goal is to encourage my students to pursue their education as well, not just for the sake of their intelligence but to ensure the quality of the character.