Ms. Tonja Smith

I was inspired by my teachers and coaches whose continued support and encouragement helped me to earn a full academic scholarship to attend college and to eventually try to do as they did by becoming a teacher!

I attended The Pennsylvania Governor's School for the Sciences​ at Carnegie Mellon University, Pa. during my junior year at Chester High School. This early exposure to the rigors of college and advanced placement courses prepared me for my undergraduate studies at Temple University. At Temple, I studied Political Science with a concentration in International Relations, later minoring in elementary education. During this time I got to observe, co-teach and lead lessons at several elementary schools in the School District of Philadelphia. I also served as a mentor to a young student in Philly for a year and won an Internship to work at U. S. Senator Harris Wofford's Center City offices for a semester. I took several Honors courses and was inducted into the Phi Beta Kappa National Academic Honor Society. I graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Arts Degree with Honors.

I continued my studies at Temple University, enrolling in the Master's of Education program. I was granted continued academic scholarship support from my previous sponsors for the entire one year of the program. During this time I was hired as a Student Teacher for second grade at William Penn Charter School, Philadelphia, Pa. There I learned and taught with a remarkable second grade team and a supportive administrative staff.

Upon receiving my Masters of Education from Temple, I immediately applied for a position to teach in the School District of Springfield Township! Fresh from graduating, I was interviewed by a cadre of esteemed administrators and student leaders, including the late, and highly respected Mr. William Leary. I was hired in 1994 and I have taught second grade, kindergarten, and first grade. I have served on several curriculum development committees. I have taken ongoing educational courses at Widener University, Pa. and Penn State Abington.

I enjoy teaching and learning at Enfield Campus. I feel very honored to work with such a supportive parent, business, and civic community! My personal interests include reading, especially anything J.R.R. Tolkien, performance cars, playing strategy video games and spending time with loved ones. My interests motivate me to inspire my students to enjoy learning as a tool to enjoy life!

Degrees and Certifications:

• B.A. Temple University, Pa.
• M.Ed. Temple University,, Pa.
• Certified K-6 Teacher