Jeff Smith, a Spanish teacher at Bryan County High School, says he left the business world more than 16 years ago to pursue teaching in hopes of doing something that might make a difference in the world.

His efforts were recognized recently by his peers when he was named BCHS’ Teacher of the Year for 2011.

“I am very honored and humbled to be acknowledged by my peers,” Smith said of the honor. “In our daily lives, we teachers many times are busy with our students and their work. It is nice to be recognized for the work that many times we think no one notices.”

He said the recognition likely will push him to be an even better teacher.

“It also will challenge me to do even more in the future,” Smith said. “Now I have to ‘live up to the title.’”

Read more in the May 21 edition of the News.