ho’s Who? Who’s Doug Smith?
Not only is Smith a professional tutor in the Academic Skills Center (ASC) and an English teacher, but he’s been selected to appear in the next edition of Who’s Who Among American Teachers.
Smith’s selection is a special honor, as the Who’s Who list “is the one recognition program in the education field where the ultimate consumers of education – the students – have the opportunity and responsibility to honor the teachers who have most significantly impacted their lives,” according to www.whoswho-teachers.com.
Smith was nominated for the honor by Matt Tipton, who was nominated by Guilford faculty to Who’s Who Among Students last fall.
Each fall, colleges can nominate a certain number, or quota, of students.
According to www.whoswhoamongstudents.com, “This quota is carefully calculated to ensure a well-rounded representation of the student body.”
The student receives an award certificate and an information form to fill out. On part of the form, the student can choose to recognize a teacher who has made a difference to him or her.
“I chose Doug Smith for this honor because I figured that it was the least I could do for all that he has done for me during my time at Guilford,” Tipton said.
Smith was “very surprised” but also pleased when he received a letter from the Who’s Who editor informing him of his nomination.
“My work is to confess before my students the things I know in this world,” Smith said. “So I was very pleased to know that such a confession reached a student.”
Sue Keith, Director of the ASC, praised Smith’s work.
“Students, faculty, and staff learn and laugh with Doug,” Keith said. “They also grapple with difficult issues with him, knowing they will be heard and valued.”
Tipton says Smith has inspired him to “become a better all-around person.”
“His classes are about much more than just English,” Tipton said. “Doug sincerely tries to open your eyes to the world. He truly cares about each one of his students and seeks to try and make them the best people and writers possible.”
Keith agreed with Tipton that Smith tries to help his students to become better writers.
“He really wants to enable his students to read at more profound levels and to consider themselves ‘real writers,’ not just students plodding through assignments,” Keith said. “Therefore he treats students in respectful ways, honoring their insights and working closely with them to grow and improve, deepening their understanding of music, art, and literature.”
Keith also adds that Smith’s personality contributes to his success as a teacher.
“He’s fun to be around – by turns serious, focused, and well-informed about the creative process, then off-the-charts funny with some comment about contemporary society or himself,” Keith said.
“He appeals to a wide diversity of students, making him a popular teacher on and off campus.