By Gemard Guery – News and Editorial Editor

Ms. Smuniewski is an English teacher at Jonathan Law High School. She is the advisor for the Natural Helpers, a club that aims to help spread inclusiveness and help those in the Law community. Advocate News and Editorial Editor Gemard Guery interviewed Smuniewski about her classes and her career.

Gemard Guery: Why did you want to become a teacher?

Ms. Smuniewski: Long story short, growing up, I loved high school, and I loved English. I wanted to do for my students what my own teachers did for me: provide them a safe, caring environment in which to find their own voice and passions in life.  

GG:What is your favorite part about being the Natural Helpers advisor?

MS: I love being able to work with such a dedicated group of students who are committed to making a difference in our school community. I can count on them for anything – showing up extra early in the morning to greet their peers, sharing their lunch with students who might otherwise eat alone, and generally spreading kindness and warmth throughout our school. 

GG: What do you enjoy about teaching English?

MS: What DON’T I enjoy about teaching English? I love giving students the opportunity to look at life through the lens of different characters they might not otherwise encounter on their own. I’ll always love how whether it’s a Shakespearian play from the 1600s or a short story written just yesterday, students are able to connect to some aspect of what we read in some way. We don’t just read a book, write an essay, and move on; we study these characters and themes to learn more about ourselves and our own lives, and as a result, are hopefully happier people. 

GG: What are some of the things you love to do outside of school?

MS:I enjoy the beach, photography, reading, being out in nature, and spending time with my dog.  

GG: What are some of your goals for the school year?

MS: I hope to create meaningful relationships with each of my students this year to make sure that when they leave me in June, they are better readers, writers, thinkers, and people.