Torrington – At October’s Wyoming Innovative Educator Conference in Casper, Dr. LeAnn Smith of Eastern Wyoming College (EWC) was recognized as Educator of the Year. 

The award was presented to Smith by Megan Degenfelder, the state superintendent of public instruction of the Wyoming Department of Education. 

The process of receiving this award begins with the students. The students nominate a staff member, and the nominees are voted on by the Faculty Senate. They examine each candidate and then a decision is made. 

Smith has shared her gratitude toward her recognition of Educator of the Year. It was “an incredible feat” according to Tiffany Morgan of EWC’s Communications. 

“I put my everything into teaching. [The award] validates my investment and all of the hours outside of the classroom,” Smith said. “It’s a milestone of a process.”

According to Morgan, Smith’s investment with her students is being recognized. A student, Taylor Fleming, even shared their experience with Dr. Smith. 

“I’ve learned a lot from Dr. Smith. She has a background in kindergarten [through] high school and was even a principal. She brings in experiences from the outside and it’s nice to see her perspective and I appreciate how she shows us how she educates,” Fleming said. “It’s a pleasure to learn from Smith with someone of her talent in the education field.”

Smith prioritizes first-hand experience when it comes to educating her students. Smith was successful as a principal and is now successful in her positive impacts on Eastern Wyoming College. 

In her past, Smith was a principal at Albin Elementary School for 12 years before becoming part of EWC’s staff. 

“At EWC, it’s different for Smith. Her impact is global, with students from all over the United States and many individuals from out of the country,” Morgan shared. 

Educator of the Year, although huge, is not Smith’s first award in education. She has also received awards for previous accomplishments on a national level at former institutions. According to Morgan, Smith has previously been awarded the National Blue-Ribbon School Award and two National Title I of Distinguished School recognitions. 

The people Smith interacts with at EWC is what gives her drive and passion to teach so significantly well. 

“I’m grateful to work with inspiring and motivating faculty, staff, and students. Our EWC team is supportive, and we push each other to expand our thinking and continually grow our skill sets,” Smith said. “The relationships I have built with my current and past students and colleagues motivate me to continue being an innovative educator.”