Welcome Students and Parents!

Most class information about assignments and due dates will be posted on Schoology.

This is our class webpage for Mr. Smerz's 6th grade Language Arts classes.  

A little bit about me:  I am a Tucson native, and I am in my 20th year of teaching.  I graduated from the University of Arizona, so I love our Wildcats and our Tucson community!  All 3 of my three children have attended Wilson as students.  Wilson has been more than my professional home for 19 of those years.  I look forward to working with another exciting group of 6th grade students.  

Defining Moment in Education

As I recollect on my own education, I realize that not one moment defines me.  It is the process that continues to this day that defines my education and hopefully that of many others.  Mistakes and successes from elementary, middle school, high school, college, and professionally shape who I am and who I will be.  Bad teachers and good teachers, and peers of all levels of abilities and backgrounds define my education.  I believe most importantly, that I have not forgotten what it is like to be a student and a young person and my approach to education is to treat young and old learners with respect and high expectations.

Core Educational Beliefs

Challenge young people through meaningful learning experiences.

Develop work ethic and independence.

Prior Experience

18 years of teaching - 4th, 5th, and 6th grade

Education Degrees & Certification

Bachelor's Degree, Elementary K-8 Education, University of Arizona

Additional Approved Areas:  Middle Grades Language Arts