MOUNT OLIVE — Heather Smith, the 2024 Burroughs Wellcome Fund North Carolina Teacher of the Year, will headline this year’s Braswell Lecture at 7 p.m. on Feb. 27, in the Southern Bank Auditorium at the University of Mount Olive.

The lecture is free and open to the public.

Smith’s topic will be “Teacher’s…The Ultimate Influencers.”

Smith, an accomplished 8th-grade math teacher at Waynesville Middle School in Haywood County, brings a wealth of experience and an innovative approach to education.

With over eight years in the classroom, Smith has become a leading advocate for student-centered learning, fostering positive relationships to inspire academic success.

She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education K-6 from Western Carolina University, with additional certification in Middle Grades Mathematics (6-9), and is a National Board Certified Teacher.

“We are excited to welcome Heather Smith to the University of Mount Olive,” said Assistant Dean of Education Dr. Amanda Bullard-Maxwell. “Her commitment to educational excellence and her passion for fostering growth in students and educators alike align perfectly with the mission of the Braswell Lecture Series.”

Smith’s teaching philosophy centers on the belief that students thrive when they feel valued, loved, and challenged.

This approach, grounded in data-driven personalized instruction, has garnered Smith numerous accolades, including Waynesville Middle School Teacher of the Year (2023), Haywood County Schools Teacher of the Year (2023-2024), and the 2024 Burroughs Wellcome Fund Western Region Teacher of the Year.

In recognition of her outstanding contributions, Western Carolina University named her to the College of Education and Allied Professions Honor Roll of Peak Performers in 2024.

Beyond the classroom, Smith serves as the 8th Grade Department Chair, a member of the Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) team, the chair of the Sunshine Committee, and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) sponsor.

She is also dedicated to mentoring future educators through her role as a clinical educator for student interns.

Smith’s dedication to making math relevant and engaging shines through her commitment to integrating real-world applications into her lessons.

By creating dynamic, practical learning experiences, she encourages her students to see the connections between mathematical concepts and everyday life, fostering a love for lifelong learning.

In addition to her professional achievements, Smith is an active member of her community.

She enjoys volunteering at local events, supporting her children’s athletic activities, and hosting her annual pancake party for parents in her classroom.

As the wife of a fellow public school teacher and the mother of two, Smith is a passionate advocate for public education.

Since 1998, the Braswell Lecture has featured North Carolina educational leaders and presented addresses on significant issues.

The lecture is held in memory of Jessie Dail Braswell, who taught in Princeton public schools for 34 years.

The Jessie Dail and Walter Vernon Braswell Endowment funds the Braswell Scholarship program.