She also has an advanced certificate in administration and supervision from Loyola College.
Smith holds one success above all her other accomplishments.
"One of my students nominated me to be teacher of the year at the Aberdeen Boys and Girls Club," Smith said. She attributes her nomination to the fact that she was able to show her pupil of what he was capable.
"My philosophy is basically that you can do it. I'll show you the steps; I'll get you through so you can see what you've accomplished," Smith said. "It's about learning how to learn."
The positive feedback that she gives her pupils is similar to the encouragement that she got from her one of her teachers.
"My high school art teacher had an enormous influence because he was so positive and encouraging - he made all of us believe that we could make great art," she said.
In the summer, Smith has more time to focus on practicing her own art. A watercolor painter, she has been influenced by Winslow Homer and John Singer Sargent.
Smith does portrait and landscape commission work in her free time and participates in the annual Harford County faculty art show.
The state offers a one-time bonus of $1,000 for teachers who become board certified, and Harford County public schools matches the figure.
There is a $2,300 fee for certification that is also paid by the public school system. The Harford County system has a partnership with HarCo Credit Union, and to support the school system, HarCo pays its share.
Smith, 58, is looking at retirement within five years, but nothing is definite. "I still really love teaching middle school art," she said. "I'm not ready to retire."
