Kristin Smiley

2nd Grade Teacher

For 2nd grade teacher, Kristin Smiley, the journey to becoming a teacher began early. “I knew I wanted to be a teacher when I was in 2nd grade,” she recalls. After earning her Bachelor's in Elementary Education from Eastern Illinois University and a Master’s in Reading Education from Ball State University, she taught in public schools in Illinois before stepping away to stay home with her children for 12 years.

Returning to the classroom wasn’t always part of the plan, but God had other ideas. “Coming back to teaching after my kids were all in school wasn't something I was sure I was going to do, but God laid out a very clear path for me and led me to Heritage,” she says. A friend encouraged her to apply, and now, years later, she’s grateful for where He has led her. “The people I have been able to work with have become like a second family to me.” Even more special is that she gets to share the Heritage experience with her four daughters, who are all students at the school.

In her classroom, Kristin’s mission is clear: “I want to show my students who Jesus is and let them know that they are purposefully and wonderfully made. I hope these foundational truths are imprinted at an early age so they can keep following Jesus all of their lives.” Teaching at Heritage allows her to integrate faith into every aspect of learning, something she cherishes deeply. “It brings me so much joy to hear my students joyfully worship each morning and soak up truths from the Bible. Their faith in and love for Jesus strengthens mine.”

Outside the classroom, Kristin enjoys spending time with her husband and daughters, planting flowers, listening to good music, and indulging in delicious desserts. Teaching runs in her blood—her grandparents, aunts, uncles, and parents were all educators, and she even had her parents as teachers in middle and high school!