My name is Karen Smith, and I am pursuing an MAT in English at Kennesaw State University. I began the program in the Summer of 2014 and will graduate in the Spring of 2016. I graduated, Summa Cum Laude, from Southern Polytechnic State University in 2007 with a BacheIor's of Science degree in Technical and Professional Communications, and a minor in Apparel and Textile Engineering Technology. Immediately after graduation, I began teaching Special Education (co-teaching English/Literature) and Reading on a Provisional Certificate at Hillgrove High School . After three years at Hillgrove, I became the victim of a RIF and moved to Collins Academy at Nelson Price Treatment Center where I taught English/Literature and Reading to 7-12 grade students recovering from drug addiction. After two years, I moved to Marietta City Schools where I served as a Parent Involvement Coordinator until 2014. I am currently a Graduate Research Assistant to Dr. Jiang in Global Engagement at KSU's Bagwell College of Education. In this capacity, I am working with future educators who wish to complete their Practicum via an International Field Experience.
Although my undergraduate degree is not in education, I passed the GACEs in Teaching Pedagogy, Special Education, and Reading while working under a Provisional Certificate. After beginning my Master's Degree at Brenau University, I transferred to Kennesaw State University in 2014. In order to obtain a Clear-Renewable Certificate, I am completing the MAT in English with a TESOL Endorsement. My present goal is to obtain a job as a middle school teacher, preferably teaching twice-exceptional students, or English students identified as Gifted. Ultimately, I would like to work as a college English professor, so my educational journey is ongoing.
The purpose of this website is for me to familiarize you with my background, qualifications, and abilities as well as the experiences/skills that I have gained while pursuing my degree here at KSU. As you can see, there are a series of links along the tab at the top of this page that you can visit. Please feel free to click on each one to discover more about me.