Moira Smith

“I'm ecstatic to return to Ligonier, my beautiful hometown, after 20 years on the New England coast. Highlights of my teaching journey include outdoor ed, special ed, and 3^rd grade. I know that learning starts with feeling connected and safe, and it is inspiring to have landed in a school with "Building Community" as one of its core values.”

Grades Kindergarten-3 Science Teacher
Reading Specialist
moira.smith@valleyschoolofligonier.org

 grew up in Ligonier and her most cherished childhood memories include time spent outdoors. Time spent stomping in streams, “rescuing” caterpillars and earthworms, and enjoying summer camp at Powdermill Nature Reserve led to West Virginia camping adventures, college biology courses, and eventually, environmental education as an adult. 

 

After living and teaching in the White Mountains of New Hampshire, Moira ventured towards teaching indoors at Landmark School in Manchester, Massachusetts. There she earned a master’s degree in Special Education, and developed an understanding of how children with dyslexia learn and thrive. Moira then shifted to Brookwood School, which happens to be right next door to Landmark! She dove into many facets of education there, including special education, 2^nd- and 3^rd-grade general education, and school administration. 

 

During the fall of 2021, Moira and her family felt an itch for change and adventure, so together they made the decision to return to Ligonier. Trading the ocean for the mountains proved to be a wonderful experience, and the warm welcome from the Valley School community provided a smooth landing for Moira’s New England family!