Carmen Smith’s colleagues describe her as an educator who leads by example, instilling a love of math in students, while possessing an unparalleled depth of knowledge in her subject area and making math fun. Former students praise her as someone who made a difference in their lives through math education.
The National Science Foundation has named Smith a finalist for the 2024 Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching, the highest honor presented by the U.S. government to K-12 STEM teachers in science, technology, engineering, mathematics and computer science representing the best in STEM education, demonstrating deep content knowledge of the subjects they teach and possessing the ability to motivate and enable student success.
“I am extremely honored to be a Georgia finalist for this award,” said Smith, who is in her 29th year of teaching. “I was nominated for the first time in 2018 and it was quite a personal learning experience to go through the application process. I was happy with my feedback, but I did not qualify as a state finalist. I was nominated again in 2023 and again took that year long journey of introspection and metacognition about my craft. I was beyond thrilled to learn that (one of two) Georgia finalists for the 2024 award.
“It makes me so proud to represent Sugar Hill Elementary, the Lanier Cluster, Gwinnett County Public Schools, and the State of Georgia at this level,” Smith continued. “Math and education are my passions, and it is so rewarding to be recognized for doing something that I truly love!”
Smith has been a teacher at Sugar Hill Elementary for 18 of her 29 years of teaching.
“She not only demonstrates mastery over the subject matter but also excels in conveying complex concepts with clarity and enthusiasm. Mrs. Smith instills a genuine appreciation for the beauty and joy in mathematics. She makes complex problems simple through real-world connections,” Sugar Hill Elementary School principal Dr. Nick Boyers said. “Ms. Smith is a true leader, both inside and outside the classroom. She actively promotes opportunity and access to quality mathematics education for all students. Beyond the classroom, Ms. Smith contributes to the broader educational community through leadership roles, mentorship, and
advocacy for equitable educational practices.”
“Carmen Smith is an exemplary educator who leads by example and instills a love of math in every student and teacher she encounters,” said Dr. Julie Treadwell, assistant principal at Sugar Hill Elementary. “I highly recommend her for the PAEMST award as she is truly excellent at her craft and worthy of recognition for her work in the field of mathematics education.”
One of Smith’s former students, Matthew Arrowhead, went on to student mathematics at the college level.
“Mrs. Smith taught me advanced math at Sugar Hill Elementary School. I have graduated from Georgia Tech with a bachelor’s in mathematics. She fostered my love for mathematics,” he said. “Mrs. Smith encouraged me to continue with my interest in math throughout middle and high school. She bought me my first scientific calculator. She gave me advice on colleges and programs. And while she hasn’t taught me in years, I feel she’s prepared me for a career in mathematics by nurturing my sense of mathematical curiosity far beyond the scope of a classroom.”
Another former student, Yilin Li, said Smith encourages confidence and perseverance.
“Without her, math would’ve been a difficult journey for me, and she helps me understand lessons a lot better. She makes math (10 times) more fun and easier,” Li said. “Every day, I looked forward to going to her class … She encourages us to be confident and persevere when things don’t go our way.”
“My students regularly hear about growth mindset,” Smith said. “We talk about the power of saying YET. We don’t admit defeat or give up, instead we rephrase it to say that we haven’t learned it YET … or I don’t fully understand something YET. But when students recognize their own personal effort and willingness to learn they see the value of growth mindset. I want my students to know that in my classroom we don’t do easy, instead we become successful through hard work and dedication.”
Smith said her passion for teaching is driven by her students.
“They are truly my why,” she said. “Children are the hope and promise of our future. They come to school each day and it is an opportunity for educators to get them excited to learn, collaborate with friends, and to be personally challenged. When a community is established in the classroom students value each other, learning, and collaborating. They are important life skills! I want my students to understand that I am here to help them learn and that they can achieve whatever they set their heart and minds on. Seeing the lightbulb come on and watching children believe in themselves is where the magic happens!”
Each Presidential Awardee receives a certificate signed by the President of the United States, a $10,000 award from NSF, and an all-expenses paid trip for an award ceremony.
Smith is also one of 25 semifinalists for 2026 Gwinnett County Teacher of the Year, an honor that will be announced in January 2025.
FEATURED PHOTO: Carmen Smith, right, a teacher at Sugar Hill Elementary School, poses for a photo with a student. Smith is a finalist for the 2024 Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching. Submitted photo.
