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Anika Smith
M.Ed Sci Instruction, B.A. Chemistry, Fine Art.
Professional Background
Anika Smith is a dedicated and passionate educator with over six years of experience in teaching chemistry and other sciences at the high school level. Known for her engaging teaching style and commitment to nurturing student enthusiasm for science, Anika has successfully instructed students in grades 10-12 across multiple institutions in Delaware. She began her teaching career at St. George’s Technical High School, providing courses in Chemistry and Integrated Science. Building on her foundation, she moved to Pencader Business and Finance Charter, where she instructed students in a broader range of subjects including Chemistry, Anatomy, and Biology. Anika further expanded her teaching repertoire at Dover High School, contributing to the curriculum as a Science Instructor for chemistry classes.
In addition to her high school teaching roles, she has been instrumental in the Upward Bound Math Science (UBMS) Summer Program at the University of Delaware, where she served as a Science Instructor for Chemistry and Biology for students in grades 10-12. Anika's commitment to education also led her to the University of Delaware's Center for Teacher Education, where she worked as a Graduate Assistant in the ASPIRE Program, helping prospective teachers develop their skills.
Anika's diverse pedagogical experiences are complemented by her foray into the corporate sector as a Patent Indexer for IFI Claims at Wölters Kluwer Health, where she honed her analytical and detail-oriented skills. Additionally, her early career included a position as a Customer Account Executive with Comcast, where she developed important communication and customer service skills that have proven beneficial throughout her teaching career.
Education and Achievements
Anika believes in the power of education and lifelong learning, which drives her professional development. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Chemistry and Fine Art from Cheyney University of Pennsylvania, achieving a high GPA of 3.81. She furthered her education by completing an Associate in Applied Science in Environmental Technology at Delaware Technical & Community College, before pursuing a Master of Education in Science Curriculum and Instruction at the University of Delaware, where she attained a commendable GPA of 3.788.
In her quest to enhance her teaching methods and better support her students, Anika has engaged in specialized professional development activities. Notable among these are the Learning Focused Strategies training within the Capital School District, where she gained insights into evidence-based teaching strategies tailored for fostering student success. She also participated in the AVID Summer Institute, particularly focused on the Science Strand, which equipped her with strategies to support students in their scientific endeavors. Anika has pursued training in Special Education Services to effectively meet the diverse needs of all learners, ensuring she can create an inclusive and supportive classroom atmosphere.
Throughout her career, Anika has convinced herself of the importance of sharing best practices and has actively engaged in various workshops such as the “Clean Air Challenge 2009” by Agilent Technologies and “A Natural Approach to Chemistry” led by Dr. Tom Hsu at Du Pont Science. These experiences have allowed her to integrate practical, real-world applications of chemistry into her classroom, making learning relevant and impactful for her students.
Achievements
Anika Smith's achievements reflect not only her commitment to excellence in education but also her ability to inspire students to excel in their studies. As a former chemistry teacher and science instructor across multiple schools in Delaware, she has positively influenced a significant number of students by providing high-quality science education and support. Her dedication to her craft is evident in her academic background, which provided her with a strong foundation in both the sciences and arts, allowing her to employ innovative teaching methods.
Anika's participation in professional development programs is a testament to her desire to continuously improve and refine her teaching practices to better serve her students. Her commitment to creating meaningful educational experiences has earned her the respect of faculty and students alike, leading to a positive and collaborative learning environment.
As Anika continues on her educational journey, she is eager to find a full-time teaching position that will not only allow her to apply her existing skills but also enable her to grow both personally and professionally. Her steadfast dedication to student success and passion for imparting knowledge makes her an invaluable asset in any educational setting.