We’re excited to bring back our teachers spotlights this spring! We’re kicking it off by highlighting Anavelia Smart, a 9-12th grade College Readiness teacher at Houston Can Academy- North. Mrs. Smart was nominated by her Impact Manager, Summerlin Northrup, who shared, “Mrs. Smart is a returning Roadmap to Success teacher this year at Houston Can Academy North. Mrs. Smart finds creative ways to engage her students in the Roadmap to Success lesson material, but what most stands out to me is the compassion she has for her students. Texans Can is a unique environment and Mrs. Smart thrives on the opportunity to serve her students and help them find their path through the Roadmap to Success program.”
Read on for an interview with Mrs. Smart!
What did you want to be when you were in middle school?
I wanted to be a teacher when i was in middle school.
Alma Mater
University of Phoenix
Please share your favorite college memory.
I am a perfectionist so I set a goal for my self to make straight As. I worked hard and made all As and had a GPA of 3.8.
Did you always want to teach? If not, what led you to the classroom?
Yes, I always wanted to teach. I had many teachers that were great influences on me; I wanted to make that same difference in someone’s life as well.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
I see myself still teaching students and focusing on getting them ready for their college experience.
Why do you think it’s important for students to have access to college and career readiness programs? What skillsets have your students developed through the Roadmap to Success program?
It’s important to prepare our students for the college lifestyle so they will not be overwhelmed when they actually go into the college environment. My students understand the college process from finding colleges of their choice to how to take proper notes. The Roadmap to Success program has helped them understand more in detail how and why college is an important step in their future.
What is one piece of advice you would give your students about their futures?
Never give up on your dreams. Yes, it may take longer that what you expect, but if you keep pushing for your dreams you will get there.
