Pembroke Principal Salwa Kinsey praised Smith’s work with students and their families.
“Sherline leads with intentionality, care, sincere dedication to the well-being of her students, and you can see the outcome of this in the success of her students,” Kinsey said. “We are truly fortunate to have her leading the way for our middle school scholars.”
Smith deflected the praise onto the entire Pembroke staff.
“I am so proud of and excited about the great things that are happening at Pembroke Academy,” Smith said. “I am even more blessed to be a member of such a dynamic team of educators who are truly shaping minds and inspiring hearts in our community.”
To be recognized with the Village Award, a teacher must first be nominated. Smith was nominated by Travontaie Simpson-Brazil, mother of London Brazil, who was the eighth-grade co-valedictorian of the class of 2022.
“I believe this nomination is a result of building positive relationships not only with the scholars but also with their parents,” Smith said. “I also believe this is a result of parent satisfaction with the quality of education that is delivered at Pembroke Academy. It feels great to have a parent who not only thinks so highly of me but also goes the extra mile to demonstrate that appreciation and satisfaction in such a public way.”
Smith has high expectations of her students, a fact that is sensed by all around her.
“She epitomizes the saying, ‘It takes a village to raise a child,’” Kinsey said. “She pours (herself) into her students, and they truly feel the depth of her care. She is a highly skilled educator who knows how extremely important her role is as an educator for her students and our school.”
Smith said funds from the award will be used wherever they’re needed within the school for learning initiatives or classroom supplies.
“This inspires and motivates me to continue to pour myself into my students in and out of the classroom, and I hope it does the same for other teachers,” Smith said. “I am more than honored and grateful for this level of consideration.
“As our principal, Salwa Kinsey, always says, ‘We are a team that is rowing in the same direction.’ Therefore, I say a win for one is a win for all.”
Pembroke Academy is a tuition-free, public charter school in Detroit, Michigan, serving students in Young 5s through eighth grade. It is part of the National Heritage Academies network, which includes more than 100 tuition-free, public charter schools serving more than 65,000 students in kindergarten through 12th grade across nine states. For more information, visit nhaschools.com.
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