The Indian Prairie Educational Foundation and District 204 honored Meredith Smith, a third-grade teacher at Nancy Young Elementary School, as this month's A+ Award recipient.
Watch the A+ Award team’s surprise visit to recognize Smith for “Making a Difference” at A+ Award video.
Valeria Guerrero, a seventh grader at Granger Middle School, nominated Smith. Guerrero said her third-grade teacher made a huge impact on her. "The thing I remember most about Mrs. Smith is her love for everything and everyone," Guerrero said. "It was in her classroom that I discovered my love for reading. That is something that will never leave me."
Smith has been a teacher for 34 years. She said she looks at her students like family, taking time to make sure she gets to know each one. "Having a connection with the children not only when they are in third grade, but even when they are out and beyond is exciting," Smith said. "I had one of my former students come back and student teach with me and then become a teacher here in District 204. He recently finished his tenth year teaching here. It's truly exciting."
Wells Fargo Advisors is partnering with IPEF and District 204 to help recognize one staff member each month for making a difference for students. To celebrate these outstanding staff members, Wells Fargo Advisors is donating $500 for the staff member to use in his or her school.
You can nominate a staff member for next month's award at A+ Award.
![]()
![]()
![]()
![]()
![]()
![]()
![]()
![]()
![]()
Watch the A+ Award team’s surprise visit to recognize Smith for “Making a Difference” at A+ Award video.
Valeria Guerrero, a seventh grader at Granger Middle School, nominated Smith. Guerrero said her third-grade teacher made a huge impact on her. "The thing I remember most about Mrs. Smith is her love for everything and everyone," Guerrero said. "It was in her classroom that I discovered my love for reading. That is something that will never leave me."
Smith has been a teacher for 34 years. She said she looks at her students like family, taking time to make sure she gets to know each one. "Having a connection with the children not only when they are in third grade, but even when they are out and beyond is exciting," Smith said. "I had one of my former students come back and student teach with me and then become a teacher here in District 204. He recently finished his tenth year teaching here. It's truly exciting."
Wells Fargo Advisors is partnering with IPEF and District 204 to help recognize one staff member each month for making a difference for students. To celebrate these outstanding staff members, Wells Fargo Advisors is donating $500 for the staff member to use in his or her school.
You can nominate a staff member for next month's award at A+ Award.