Dr. Keeva L. Smith
Leading Tomorrow's Leaders...Today!
Hello! Welcome to my website! Allow me to introduce myself! I am currently a Professional Educator, certified EC-12 Music and EC-12 Principal in the state of Texas. While in Texas, I was the recipient of the Crowley ISD's Chisholm Trail Grant for my endeavors in Arts Integration. My grant was entitled, "Arts Integration: The Keys to Success!" I am also a national recording artist. I am the former Director of an award-winning show choir affectionately called the MSA-ShowStoppers! I began my career in education as a Substitute Teacher in East Baton Rouge Parish. I am grateful to have been associated with strong mentors who have given me the opportunity to be a leader in various roles in education. As you journey through my website to learn more about me, my philosophies, and educational endeavors, you will see that I am confident to lead leaders, be they students in the classroom or educators within a school district...Today!
~A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way~
John C. Maxwell
Road To Success
Philosophy of Education
As an educator with a strong belief in education, I believe that a person's education begins in his/her mother's womb. The impression that a child gets in the womb sets the pace for his/her life. I believe that children learn by doing, and they learn according to their own abilities. I believe that a child's formal education should not begin and end at school, but rather be a continuance process. I agree with Marie Montessori's philosophy that a child's environment should be conducive to learning. I believe that a teacher should realize the dignity of his/her calling. A teacher is a social servant set apart for the maintenance of social order. Discipline should be practiced within and outside of the classroom. However, children eventually must learn to depend less upon external control and learn self-discipline. I desire to continually be a part of educating myself, teachers and young minds. I find that I appreciate the end product. I believe that education does not end with a high school or college degree, but it is a continuous process. I believe that one should acquire the desire to stay abreast of his/her ever-changing surrounding and strive to be a current person, not vastly becoming obsolete. I believe that people can learn from each other. I believe that they have a choice to choose good or evil. I believe that we, as educators, have a duty to teach others by constructive modeling, as well as teach others what we have learned so that a new generation of effective leaders are produced to be productive citizens in society.
Road To Success Pt. 2
Philosophy of Music Education
I believe that music education is a program that should be included in all, not some general education curriculum. The purpose of music education is to develop the creative experience of every student to their highest potential. It is important for music educators to understand that music experience is an opportunity to expose students to the materials of sounds. I believe that a good music education program is to provide an opportunity to explore the musical experience by listening for the melody, harmony, tone color, rhythm, dynamics and texture. If a student understand the basic structure of music, they will be able to appreciate the beauty of a musical piece. We, as music educators, must develop a curriculum that enriches the student's creative senses through listening, creating and performing music. I believe music that is chosen for music education programs must have expressive qualities that challenge students musical creativity. The selection of music should not only focus on classical music, but it should include all musical genres. Each student will have his or her own feelings and experience about music. I believe that the teacher should not impose his or her own feelings and objectives on the student. Music Education should reflect the development and maturity of the student. Younger students that are just beginning to explore music are at an impressionable age and need to be exposed to good music. I strongly believe music education should be designed to create an interest in music and a desire to learn more about the different aspects of music and its contribution to the world.