Taniece Thompson-Smith, an elementary school teacher from Abilene, Texas, has been named her state’s 2024 Teacher of the Year. Photo Credit Abilene ISD

It is always my pleasure to share the news that an exceptional educator has earned accolades for her work in the classroom. Today, I share the story of Taniece Thompson-Smith, an elementary school teacher from Texas who has been named her state’s 2024 Teacher of the Year.

Taniece teaches science and social sciences to fifth graders at Stafford Elementary School in Abilene. She has taught there for three years. Because she is the spouse of a military serviceman, Taniece has moved frequently, and so she has taught in numerous states throughout the country, and also in Jamaica and Japan. In all, her career as an educator spans 14 years.

The honored educator is a big believer in the power of education. “Education is a powerful equalizer; it’s not what you teach, it’s how you teach,” asserts Taniece. “Never underestimate the power of connections,” she declares. “We can’t teach our students to care about education until we show them that we care about them. Learning and growing together is a beautiful thing!” she continues.

In addition to her work with students, Taniece serves her campus in a variety of other ways, including leading district-level professional development workshops, acting as a mentor and speaker for 75 middle and high school girls, and presenting at the 2023 Annual Meeting of the Clay Minerals Society International Organization.

Taniece earned her Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science from Brooklyn College in New York in 2002. She also earned her graduate-level teacher certification from Rider University in New Jersey in 2008 and a Master’s degree in Teaching with a Concentration in Multicultural and Social Justice Education from California State University in Fresno, California, in 2015.

In addition to her recognition as Texas State Teacher of the Year, Taniece earned similar honors from Stafford Elementary, Abilene Independent School District (ISD), and the Region 14 Education Service Center.