Welcome to 6th Grade! My name is Aretha Smith. I have been a public school teacher for 26 years. Teaching is my passion! I have wanted to be a teacher since I was in kindergarten, thanks to a beautiful and caring teacher named Mrs. Joann Johnson. She, along with my parents, instilled in me a love for education. I am a proud 1988 graduate of Camden High school. Go Bulldogs! After that, I attended Morris college and graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education and from Lesley University with a Masters Degree in Technology in Education. I have also completed additional course work for various institutions across the state. I have the South Carolina Endorsement as a Gifted and Talented Teacher.

 I'm married with three sons, a beautiful daughter-in-law and three adorable grandsons, Carter, Shawn and Konnor.  I love sports! Basketball and football are my favorites. I have served as a past Middle School Athletic Director, Head Girls' Basketball Coach and Head Boys and Girls Track Coach for many years. I have taught, second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth grade in Sumter, SC. This is the beginning of my thirteenth year teaching sixth grade math and my fifth year here at Camden Middle School. It's an honor for me to have the opportunity to teach in the same school system that I am a product of. I'm looking forward to meeting the new 6th grade Eagles and having an awesome year of learning. Go Eagles!!!

Favorite Quote:  "Every child deserves a champion- an adult who will never give up on them, who understands the power of connection and insists that they become the best that they can possibly be."-Rita Pierson