Biography

The most exciting thing about teaching is  that I have a chance to influence the next generation. I have a chance to be that foundation on which all other professions will stand. 

Taniece Thompson-Smith is a 14-year veteran teacher and an 18-year military spouse with a diverse teaching career spanning more than seven school districts across the United States, Jamaica and Japan. Thompson-Smith earned her Bachelor of Science in computer science from Brooklyn College in New York. She also holds a graduate-level teacher certification from Rider University in New Jersey and a Master of Arts in teaching with a concentration in multicultural and social justice education from California State University in Fresno, California. 

Thompson-Smith dedicates her life to facilitating stimulating learning experiences that guide students on the trajectory of upward academic mobility. An avid proponent of the transformative power of education and civic scientific literacy, Thompson-Smith currently serves her community as a fifth grade science teacher at Stafford Elementary in Abilene, Texas. She consistently collaborates with community members and experts in the science field to design science-based experiential learning opportunities. 

She also leads district-level professional development workshops for Abilene Independent School District. This includes analyzing testing data and integrating science with reading language arts. In April 2023, she partnered with Future College Curls as a mentor speaker for 75 middle and high school girls. In May 2023, she presented at the Clay Minerals Society International Organization’s annual meeting. She currently serves at her church as a children’s Bible teacher.

Thompson-Smith was named the Teacher of the Year for Stafford Elementary, Abilene Independent School District (ISD),  Region 14 Education Service Center and the 2024 Texas Teacher of the Year.

Thompson-Smith was honored at the 2024 National Teachers of the Year State Dinner, hosted by The First Lady of the United States, Dr. Jill Biden. She has been awarded the Edwin and Agnes Jennings Teaching Excellence Award from Abilene Education Foundation, Teacher in the Limelight Award from Mayor Anthony Williams, the Ermalee Boice Instructional Advocacy Award from Texas State Teachers Association and National Education Association, as well as certificates of recognition from Member of Congress Jodey C. Arrington,  Governor Greg Abbott and Mayor Weldon Hurt.