Retired 9th-12th Grade Family and Consumer Sciences Teacher – Manila, AR
Mary Smith retired at the end of the 2023 school year after teaching Family & Consumer Sciences for 40 1/2 years. She received the Lifetime Achievement Award from Region 4 of the Association of Career and Technical Educators in 2024. Currently, Mary is working on food education resources for Teachers Pay Teachers and occasionally teaching professional development for Arkansas Family & Consumer Sciences teachers. She is a graduate of the University of Central Arkansas was named the Arkansas Association of Career and Technical Education’s teacher of the year. She has received the Integration of Applied Academics Award from Family Career and Community Leaders of America. Mary is also a ServSafe instructor and proctor. Mary and her husband Richie, a retired 3rd-grade teacher, live in Manila Arkansas, and have two adult children Tanner and Scout.
A favorite Food Education memory:
I taught so many foods related lessons that it is hard to choose one! I think any lesson that encouraged my students to sample a new healthy food always became a favorite! (I especially liked introducing my students to brussels sprouts and sweet potatoes!)
Favorite Food Education Standard:
#5: Food Impacts Health–I taught nutrition and foods related classes for more than 40 years and saw a steady decline in healthy eating habits in my students, which is so concerning!