Becky Smith Leads Exceptional Math Education at St. Mary Catholic School in Rockledge

What she hopes students take away from her classroom: “I hope they leave with a solid math background to carry them through their high school years, but more importantly, each student learns to be a person of God. I want them to have a good foundation of what it means to be a good and selfless person.” 

“We are able to teach the whole student,” Mrs. Smith says, “and I feel like we really know our students. We see them grow throughout their years here, and when they get to middle school, we already know who they are and we are able to relate to them on a more personal level.” 

Our dedicated teachers at Brevard Catholic Schools provide a superior learning experience, where students are encouraged to grow academically, physically, and spiritually within a safe, supportive environment. 

Mrs. Becky Smith is one of the caring teachers at St. Mary Catholic School in Rockledge. As the Math Teacher, she provides middle-school students with a well-rounded mathematics background that infuses hands-on learning and critical thinking skills. She also personally models the core values of our Catholic teachings in the classroom to help lay moral and faith foundations for students.  

Learn more about Mrs. Smith’s background and her passion for educating students. 

Teaching at St. Mary Catholic School for Nearly 30 Years 

Mrs. Smith was born and raised in Melbourne, Florida. While she did not attend Catholic school, she participated in the youth group at Ascension Catholic School while growing up. 

“I believe being involved in the youth group at Ascension through high school helped me become the person I am today,” she says. 

She had always been interested in teaching but knew it was the right career path after having an inspiring Algebra III/Trigonometry teacher in high school.  

Mrs. Smith has now been a teacher at St. Mary Catholic School for nearly 30 years, where she has even taught multiple generations of families. 

“I would not teach at any other place,” she says. “We are a big family at St. Mary’s, and once you are part of it, you will always be a part. I have been in the community since the Sisters of Mercy were here. They are a big part of why we are different and why we still have that Mercy way of thinking.” 

Setting a Strong Math Foundation for Middle-Schoolers

As a Math Teacher, Mrs. Smith’s goal is to ensure her middle-school students are well-prepared for more advanced mathematics coursework in high school. 

Her teaching approach includes interactive lessons, creative problem-solving, and careful and clear explanations of concepts and examples. 

“I try to find different ways for them to practice the concept we are working on by using puzzles, walk-around scavenger hunts, computer games, and escape rooms.” she says.

“I also love seeing different ways to solve problems if the students come up with a different method. I want them to know that there are many ways to find a solution for math problems.” 

For Mrs. Smith, the most rewarding part of her job is helping struggling students have a “light bulb moment” and finally understand a concept. 

Mrs. Smith is especially grateful to work in a Catholic school where faith can be incorporated in daily lessons. In addition to daily prayer, weekly Mass, and faith discussions in the classroom, she enjoys the caring, family-centered community at St. Mary’s. 

“We are able to teach the whole student,” she says, “and I feel like we really know our students. We see them grow throughout their years here, and when they get to middle school, we already know who they are and we are able to relate to them on a more personal level.” 

Getting to Know Mrs. Smith

Outside of the classroom, here are a few fun things about Mrs. Smith: 

• She loves watching college sports, reading, and making handmade greeting cards.

• She has a dog named Captain Jack Sparrow, or “Jack” for short.

• Her favorite children’s book is “Love You Forever” by Robert Munsch.

• She enjoys watching Marvel movies and the TV show “Scandal.”

• Her favorite Bible Story is Noah’s Ark because it is filled with so much hope.

• Her favorite vacation was to Switzerland, and she would love to go back one day!

We thank Mrs. Smith for the intelligence, love, and commitment she has given students over the years at St. Mary Catholic School.

Faces of Catholic Education is an ongoing series in which we spotlight faculty and staff at Brevard County Catholic Schools and celebrate the love they have in their hearts for seeing children grow through a Catholic school education.