Kimberly Rees Smith
Teacher of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing
What are your name and age?
My name Kimberly Rees Smith and my Sign Name is a K by the edge of the mouth going up like a smile. I am old enough to have been at GHS since 2000.
What is your Favorite Sign(s)?.
My favorite signs are Motivated, Eager, and Enthusiastic.
What are the challenges of being a ToD?
Working with others to figure out how best to help a student to become successful in school, their career, and life. Each person that comes through the program has their own learning style, challenges, and needs. We try to figure out the best path for students and their families, taking into consideration their neighborhood community, the GHS community, different perspectives, etc.
What is your favorite part about being a ToD?
I love interacting with the students, their families and other people I meet along the way. I enjoy learning and learning and learning, almost reinventing myself with each new day. There is not one student or year, that is the same. I love that element of surprise, and then, figuring out how to make it the best ever.
Why did you become a Teacher of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing?
I started my career in education as a Speech Language Pathologist working with students in a DHH program to work on and develop their speech and language for seven years.
I, then, applied for a position as a Teacher of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing here in Cherry Creek School District and I have been here since February 1998. This experience has been an exceptional learning opportunity. I have worked with some of the best sign language interpreters and teachers who are not afraid to embrace these students, learn about their needs, and challenge them to be the best that they can become.
Students have been amazing teaching me different things throughout the year. I have gained knowledge in the areas of American Sign Language, Deaf Culture, the differences between Deaf and Hearing Cultures, how students feel in school and out in the community. I am continually taught by students, families, and staff that cross my path. Who could ask for anything more?