Abby Smith

3rd Grade Teacher

Abby Smith first sensed God leading her toward education while serving in her church’s kindergarten classroom during high school.

“I saw the way those wonderful teachers met each child where they were and how they valued each child as created in the image of God, and I wanted to be a part of that,” Abby shared. “Year after year, the Lord continues to confirm this calling.”

Abby now serves as a 3rd grade teacher at Heritage. She earned her degree in elementary education from Taylor University, where she also minored in Spanish and studied Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages.

In her classroom, Abby seeks to follow the example of the teachers who first inspired her by knowing her students individually, meeting them where they are, and grounding their worth in their identity as God’s creation.

“In my classroom at HCS, I strive to provide a welcoming space for children to see God’s heart, know they are made in the image of God, and face goals courageously,” she said.

Abby loves helping students discover meaningful connections to God throughout the school day.

“Meaningful connections to God can be found across all subjects that we study ... moments where students can see God’s beauty, character, and goodness,” she explained.

Third grade offers many opportunities for students to develop new skills and greater confidence, and Abby especially enjoys encouraging them as they grow as readers, learn cursive, and build a strong foundation in multiplication.

“Third grade is a year of taking off as a strong reader,” she shared. “I look forward to knowing my students well and cheering them on with support to grow in confidence.”

Outside the classroom, Abby loves adventure and travel. Her favorite challenge has been hiking the Grand Canyon from rim to rim, and she has also enjoyed exploring the trails at Glacier National Park. She can often be found running on the Monon Trail, camping, visiting local coffee shops, traveling with her family, or practicing her Spanish.

We are grateful to have Abby as part of the Heritage faculty and for the ways she helps her students grow courageously while pointing them toward God’s beauty, character, and goodness.