Penny Smith joined the master educator special education team in the summer of 2009 after 34 years as an educator in Rhode Island, Missouri, Massachusetts, North Carolina, and Washington.

During her career, Penny spent 25 years as a special education teacher in a variety of settings and served as an elementary school principal for 9 years. Outside of the classroom, Penny served as chairperson of the Student Services Management Team, member of her school’s leadership team, and member of the professional development subcommittee for Durham (NC) Public Schools. She has also contributed her expertise as an instructor in the Danforth Principal Leadership Program at the University of Washington.

Penny received the Paul Harris Fellow Award in 2003 in recognition of her school’s efforts to teach students about service to others, and while serving as principal, led her school to make AYP each year. Penny earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary and Special Education from Rhode Island College, a Master of Education in Reading from Boston College, and her principal certification from the University of Washington.

Penny is a life-long learner and values staying current on topics related to teaching and learning through membership in professional organizations such as Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development, Council for Exceptional Children, and the National Association of Elementary School Principals. She is also an avid reader and collector of professional books and articles.

Penny will be serving as a Master Educator for Special Education and Elementary General Education.