Special Education Faculty Spotlight: Professor Barbara Smith
Mikaela Campbell
McKay Student Ambassador
Early Childhood Education
Get to know Barbara Smith, a professor here in BYU's Special Education program! She would love to share her thoughts and experiences with you. Read on to learn more about her journey, her experiences teaching and mentoring students, and how education has been a blessing in her life!
Share some of your background!
I have been at BYU since my Freshman year. Since then I have been teaching or working part time. I love special education and I am grateful to have found it as a career. It has been a wonderful experience for me.
What courses do you teach?
I mainly coordinate student teaching and practicum. I find good placements with the partnership districts, train mentor teachers, and supervise in the schools a couple days a week. I have also taught many other courses which include the introductory course, assessment, reading, math, teaching methods, and the transition course (which prepares future educators to support individuals with disabilities between the ages of 18 and 22 as they transition into adulthood).
Why did you choose Special Education?
I knew for a while that I liked working with children and youth. I wanted to do something to help those that were most vulnerable and those who are often underserved. I've been drawn to solving the puzzle of why children and youth struggle to learn. It's a neat experience to find ways to help them be successful.
What do you enjoy most about teaching?
I enjoy the students, we have really great teacher candidates in the program. Many come into Special Education because of a personal calling to do so and have had past experiences knowing someone who has a disability. This may be a family member, friend, or serving as a peer tutor. I love that the students enjoy teaching. They are pretty unselfish and they seek to make life better for others.
How do you include Jesus Christ in your teaching efforts?
I have tried different things in different classes. I center our thoughts in class on characteristics of the Savior, such as forgiveness, mercy, great love, charity, and learning to emulate Him and those around us. When discussing class-related topics we often have conversations that turn to a spiritual nature.
How does living the gospel support you as a teacher?
Anytime you are engaged in serving Heavenly Fathers children you grow a love akin to what he has, not in the same magnitude, but you learn to unselfishly give and serve. This helps you feel loved. Prayer is also important and I love the opportunity to serve in the temple.
What is the most important thing you hope students will learn from your classes?
The most important thing is that they can become more like the Savior by being teachers. This will be a blessing in their lives and in the lives of their family. I am grateful to share my testimony with my students and emulate Jesus Christ in my life's work.
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