Rainbow Elementary honors counselor as Teacher of the Year
MADISON – After receiving her honor as “Teacher of the Year,” Alicia Smith was motivated to continue advocating for emotional and academic well-being of all students.
Smith serves as counselor at Rainbow Elementary School.
“I was overwhelmed with gratitude and humility,” Smith said about her award. “My first thoughts went to the students and families I’ve had the privilege to support and to colleagues who inspire me every day.”
“This recognition isn’t just about me . . . it reflects the collective commitment we all share to help students grow and succeed,” Smith said.
Madison City Schools’s strong reputation for academic excellence, student- centered values and community involvement attracted Smith. “I wanted to work in a district that I would be proud to one day send my own children to — knowing they would be supported, challenged and cared for at any school within the system.”
Her career started as a second-grade teacher with Bay District Schools in Panama City, Fla. She “discovered a deep passion for supporting the whole child — not just academically but emotionally and socially. This passion led me to transition into school counseling.”
Smith worked as counselor at Patterson Elementary School. Then in 2018, she moved to this area and taught one semester at Challenger Elementary School. In 2019, Smith returned to counseling at Rainbow. “Each step of this journey . . . deepened commitment to the ‘whole child.’” At Rainbow, Smith has felt pride in sponsoring Student 2 Student or S2S. “I’ve helped create opportunities for connection and inclusion, like monthly Lunch Buddies, where S2S students share lunch with students in our Structured Learning Classrooms. A beautiful way to foster empathy, friendship and stronger sense of community,” she said.
Another success was restarting “Student of the Month,” celebrating youth who exemplify the monthly character trait, and “reinforcing positive behavior and character development.”
“I’m especially proud of Rocket Mail, (allowing) second-graders to write letters about Level 1 peer problems (to) older students for advice to solve them . . . a creative way to promote conflict resolution, peer mentoring and written communication skills,” Smith said.
This year, Smith achieved National Board Certification in School Counseling, a personal milestone and professional turning point. “These experiences make me incredibly proud to be part of Rainbow’s family and contribute to a supportive, inclusive and character- driven environment.”
A ‘good day’ occurs when she helps a student navigate a difficult situation – “whether resolving peer conflict, managing anxiety or re-engaging in school. I know I did the right thing when I see a genuine smile, or a student writes a thank-you note. Those moments affirm the connection made was meaningful,” Smith said.
Smith earned a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Alabama State University and a master’s degree in counseling/psychology from Troy University. Her hometown is Mobile.
“I’m married to my wonderful husband, Aubrian Smith, who works as an Information System Security Manager,” she said. Their children are Aubrian Jr. and August. “Family…brings so much joy to my life, personally and professionally.”
Few people know that Smith was captain of her high-school dance team, swam competitively and played tennis. Her lessons in perseverance have helped throughout her career.
“I enjoy traveling the world and immersing myself in different cultures. Connecting with diverse communities not only broadens my perspective but also enriches working with students from various backgrounds,” Smith said.
